SPECIAL MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, January 24, 2006; 9:30 a.m.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS ATTENDING: Senator Tom Saxhaug, Mitch Berggren, Jim Eberspacher, Terry Murray, Doug Grindall, Milton Bilyeu, Brenda Bounds, Tom Fisher, Ray Thorpe, Ken Ziemba, Jay Christianson, Carol Grim, Mark Trompeter, Allen Rasmussen, Joe Rahm, Dale Klosner, John and Beverly Beck, Dan McCarthy, Elaine Beach, Ron and Jan McClanahan, Julie Schumacher, Susan Congrave, Marie Mettler, Nancy Lee Schafer, Avis Crosby, Wanda Grashorn, Kathy Gordon, Dennis Hummitzsch; Reporters Laurel Beager, Shawn Gilmore

2006/01-41 Motion by Briggs, seconded by Pavleck to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-42 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Briggs to approve the minutes from the January 17, 2006 regular meeting. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board was informed that Len Peterson was hired as an entry level Appraiser at a starting pay rate of 80% of B22 and a starting date of January 17, 2006.

2006/01-43 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Briggs to approve payment of the Auditor Department claims in the amount of $160,850.14; to approve payment of the Highway Department claims in the amount of $248,166.81; to pay Flaherty & Hood in the amount $55.82 for lobbying service with payment from the Legislative Budget; to approve payment of the Community Service Department’s financial and social service program claims and administrative claims as presented; to approve payment of the following burial cases: #774594 in the amount of $834.92, case #902889 in the amount $2,457.25, case #1065760 in the amount of $2,712.25; accepting the following recommendation for Foster Day Care and Day Care Licensing: case #07560 relicensing for foster care for one child, case #62407 closing home for foster care licensing per provider’s request; to approve payment of the Health Department claims in the amount of $48,165.94. Payment detail on file in the respective departments. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-44 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Briggs to approve payment in the amount of $1,438 for 2006 MRCC dues on a pro-rated first and second year membership with payment from the County Board Budget. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-45 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Hanson to approve payment of $250.00 to assist with the cost of surveying and engineering for the Margie Cemetery Stream Bank Rehabilitation Project with payment to the Soil and Water District (who will submit payment for the full bill) and with payment from the 2006 Budget Contingency. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-46 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Adee to set the 2006 County Board of Equalization meeting dates as follows: Tuesday, June 13 to convene in the afternoon with Assessor’s opening report and appointments; Tuesday, June 20 to meet in the afternoon to continue appointments with intent to conclude work and adjourn; Friday June 23 reserved if more meeting time is needed to conclude work. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-47 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Briggs to allow office space in the LEC for the Rural Fire Protection Association’s Treasurer as requested by the Association and as approved by the Undersheriff and Complex Superintendent under the County’s Building Security Policy. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-48 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper to send a letter to the Mayor of the City of Gonvick supporting their initiative for an Emergency Service Training Center in northern Minnesota. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Minnesota Senator Tom Saxhaug addressed the Board with his expectations of the 2006 Legislative Session, which will begin in March. The bonding bill will be a major focus in the session, with the Senator noting that $1 million is designated for the proposed Koochiching County Gasification Project and that he would pursue additional funding for this project. Board members pointed out that along with the $1 million allocation from the bonding bill, the Governor also supported application for a State CAP Grant for additional funding for the Gasification Project. The Senator stated that the Forest Legacy Program, which encourages large tracts of private land to remain intact while open to forest management and recreation, will also be an item in the bonding bill. Outside of the bonding bill, he felt transportation, ATV legislation and the Clean Water Legacy Act will be raised. Commissioner Hanson expressed the need for a coalition to look at the damage to natural resources in northern Minnesota caused by beaver. Commissioner Pavleck raised the issue with Koochiching County having to buy wetland credits from Beltrami County for the Airport Project, because the State has not recognized the wetland credit areas in Koochiching County. The Senator was aware of this situation and felt a review was in order. The Senator stated that he will keep in touch with the Board as the session unfolds.

2006/01-49 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper to accept the recommendation of the Koochiching County DUI/Substance Abuse Court that as Fiscal Agent, the County set drugs of abuse testing service fees for agencies and the public using the on-site testing services of the Koochiching County DUI/Substance Abuse Court with a charge of $7 to $8 per test to agencies with billing done by the Drug Court Coordinator (the rate per test depending upon logistics) and a charge of a $20 fee to a private citizen with up front payment and with the fee revenue deposited in the Koochiching County Drug Court Account. With approval of this motion, the County Board set a review of the fee structure after one year. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-50 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper accepting the recommendation of the Community Service Director to renew the following service contracts for 2006: AEOA Employment and Training Service with a reduction in the contract amount, AEOA Advocate Services with no change, and AEOA Volunteer Driver Services with an increase in the mileage rate. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-51 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Briggs accepting the recommendation of the Community Service Director to renew the IV-D Cooperative Service Agreement for 2006 which is required by the State for reimbursement of the County Attorney and Sheriff services. Renewal will be at the same rates as set for 2005. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-52 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Briggs accepting the recommendation of the Community Service Director to renew the Kootasca Senior Coordinator Agreement for 2006 with an increase in the rate. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-53 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Hanson accepting the recommendation of the Community Service Director to renew the following service agreements for 2006: Northland Counseling with a reduced amount, Northland Counseling for Adult Foster Home Services with no change and Northland Counseling Hardwig House with an increase in rate. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-54 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Briggs to renew the Lutheran Social Services Guardian and Conservator Service Agreement for 2006 with no change as recommended by the Community Service Director. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Community Service Director handed the Board information on County Based Purchasing for medical services for serving County clients. At this time six counties, including Koochiching County, are looking at regionalizing a health plan in lieu of health plan management at the state level through large health management plans. The initiative is being pursued as a better service for clients, reinvestment in the community and savings to the County. The Director sought a position from the Board to continue to explore this concept with the understanding that any commitment would require County Board approval. The Board supported continued exploration of the County Based Purchasing of medical services as presented by the Director.

2006/01-55 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Hanson accepting the employment separation of Jeri Nordlund who resigned on January 20, 2006. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.
2006/01-56 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Briggs adding filling of a vacant social worker position to the agenda as requested by the Community Service Director. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2006/01-57 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Briggs authorizing the Community Service Director to fill a vacant social worker position due to a resignation of employment. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Briggs, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair opened a public information session to receive comment on the list of proposed road projects introduced by the Highway Engineer for development of a five-year road work plan. Prior to this meeting, the Highway Engineer sent notice to property owners whose property may be impacted by these road projects. Project #1 is a CSAH 1 bridge replacement over the Big Fork River. No public comment was presented on this project. Project #2 is a CSAH 8 bridge replacement over Nett Lake River. No public comment was presented on this project. Project #3 is CSAH 18 which redesigns the gravel portion of the Clementson Road but with no bituminous surfacing. The Engineer informed the Board that one property owner contacted him opposing the project and would not be willing to give the portion of his property for right of way purposes. No public comment from the open session was provided. Project #4 is CSAH 21 for design of a curb and gutter road past the DNR facility in Jameson Addition which will impact properties where there are trees or buildings close to the road and where there are 90 degree corners. The Highway Engineer stated that most property owners are opposed to this project. Milton Bilyeu stated that he has property on the straight stretch of this road but he still opposes the project as he will lose his trees. Tom Fischer does not believe the proposed road project is necessary, however, he feels the County should do work to restore the portion of road in front of his place to its original location. Over the years with road, sewer and water works, the road has been shifted ten feet over to his property. Brenda Bounds has property across from the DNR facility and asked the Engineer how her property would be impacted if this curve was straightened. In addition, she asked if the property owner would bear any cost with this project with regards to paying for curb and gutter, higher taxes, and replacement of her fence. The Engineer stated that in the proposed design this curve would probably not be flattened since it stops at Highway 11 and confirmed that the property owner would bear no cost with the road project with regards to the curb and gutter and the County pays comparable value for land and damages for trees and fences. She asked how this road project would be decided and the Engineer stated that usually it is based on the majority and that the County Board would have the final say. Ray Thorpe owns property on a curve and stated that there is not enough information provided on this design for any of the property owners to make an informed decision. He stated his opposition to the project as it will impact his property. Project # 5 is CSAH 24 and County Road 108 which is a road redesign of the Airport Road and the road in front of the UPS facility. No comment was provided on this project. Project #6 is CSAH 77 which is road improvement to the gravel portion of the Happyland Pit Road. The project will not include bituminous surfacing and wetlands may have to be mitigated for this project. Ken Ziemba stated that he would look at the plan and though he did not seem to be opposed to the project, he felt others would if the project impacted the buffer of trees in that area. Project #7 is CSAH 75 as a road improvement plan in Silverdale with regrade, ditching and base. No comment received. Project #8 is CSAH 92 which is one half mile of road past Second Bridge Auto designed as curb and gutter, widened and placing a radius on a 90 degree corner. Drainage problems are recognized in this area. Jay Christianson asked if there would be any grade change in this road plan to improve drainage. He stated normally the road grade drops in road projects. He probably is for the project if he doesn’t lose too much property on straightening the corner and wants to discuss more drainage issues with regards to the proposed road project. Project #9 is CSAH 94 which redesigns the road at the end of the Northernaire Road. Currently the area is having sewer installed and the Engineer felt it was the time to look at the road in general and received requests from some property owners in the area to improve the road. Previously there was a road design proposed for this same area but it received opposition due to the loss of trees on properties. Carol Grim stated that her husband is against the proposed project. She is willing to look further at it but would want to see the plan design to get a better idea. She does not see a need for traffic purposes but stated for snowplowing and drainage purposes it may have benefits. Mark Trompeter opposed the project years ago. He stated that if the project moved the road to the north, he would think about it. But if proposed as before, he is against it because it will have too much impact to his property. The road is a dead end so an upgrade as proposed is not needed. The Engineer stated that the proposed project will keep to the current centerline equally impacting properties north and south of the centerline. Allen Rasmussen is caretaking a property in this area and came to the meeting to gather information for the property owner. He asked whether school buses could come down the road. It was stated that buses can not come down the road and that no one lives in that area now with kids. Joe Rahm was against the upgrade when proposed a number of years ago. However, today he supports the project because there is a safety concern with a steep hill and driveway situation. In addition he said that years ago there were not as many homes in this area but today there is traffic with construction project, garbage and water haulers which not only is a traffic concern but the heavy loads ruin the road. Dale Klosner stated that the sewer project has already caused damage to the road and if drilling for the sewer is not an option, there will be more. Need to get a better road base and bituminous overlay done. John and Beverly Beck support the project as they have a driveway coming out on to the steep hill, which is a safety concern. They stated that the road would have to go south for it to work with their property access. Commissioner Pavleck asked if the road could be considered as a preservation road to lessen the standards having to be met for a CSAH road. The Engineer did not feel designating only the end portion of the road would qualify. Beverly Beck asked how access would be provided property owners during construction, should this project occur. The Engineer stated that the contractor has to provide access but understanding there may be circumstances during construction where access is hindered. Project #10 is UT 488, Rainy Lake Houseboat Road, which will change this road to a CSAH road and is partially funded by federal funds. Dan McCarthy asked the Engineer what the steps and timeline would be for this project. The Engineer explained that once the design is done, he would seek right of way needed for the project, and bid the project. With regards to the timeline, it will depend on the State first approving the road as a CSAH and he hoped at the earliest it would be bid this summer and latest, next year. Elaine Beach stated that before the CSAH 94 road project begins, the sewer project needs to finish and questioned why the County would propose a new road when the contractor for the sewer project is responsible for repair of the road. The Engineer stated that though the contractor is required to bring the road back to its original condition, it will not fix the base, overlay and safety concerns raised by some property owners. With no other comment, the Engineer stated that he would bring back the proposed road projects to the Board at the February 7 County Board meeting for direction. The Board Chair closed the public informational session on the proposed road projects at 12:08 p.m.

000 The Board Chair opened public comment at 12:08 p.m. Ron and Jan McClanahan own property that abuts UT Road 501, which is about two-tenths of a mile long and is a dead end. Up until a few years ago, this road was never signed. The Highway Department placed a sign indicating this road as UT 501. The sign was in his way when he was doing his mowing so he asked if it could be moved and the Highway Department said no. He then removed the sign in the summer so he could mow his hay. A disagreement on the necessity and location of the sign ensued. The Highway Department removed the sign finally but as a result, the road is no longer snow plowed. The Engineer stated that the county signs the roads they maintain. They have no issue with the property owner mowing in the road right of way but like the County has to do, they would have him mow around the sign rather than removing it. The option of requesting the road be vacated is an option to the property owners. The Board Chair stated they would further review the issue with the Highway Engineer and get back to the property owner. Mark Tromperter referring back to the proposed road projects asked what will happen at the February 7th meeting with regards to the proposals. The Engineer stated that his recommendations would be presented to the Board with a request to the Board to give direction on developing a five-year road plan. Dan McCarthy asked that the Coordinator make her best effort to produce the email sent to the County Attorney requesting a meeting with the County Board to discuss concerns with the contracted legal service cost through her office. With no other comment, the Board Chair closed public comment at 12:20 p.m.

000 Julie Schumacher provided the Board an overview of the Small Business Development Center services which entail small business development assistance, customized training and work towards a technical center for training and job creation. The Small Business Development Center’s focus is on economic development but she noted that the training services are available to all employers in the County, bringing training needs to the area.

000 The Health Director informed the Board that they continue to be very busy with home care services but until they have a better idea of the direction home care is going and based on their staffing levels, they are limiting new referrals. She informed the Board that Good Samaritan Center continues to work towards becoming a home care provider but it looks like the original timeline for development may be extended. The Director stated that she will organize a meeting in February with the Board and providers to again discuss the status of home care services for the County and thereafter, the Director will meet with the Board to further review the County’s involvement in home care.

000 The Health Director and Department staff provided a presentation on Public Health Preparedness for Koochiching County covering involvement in regional planning, the Health Alert Network, pandemic planning including dispensing of vaccine for essential personnel and to the public and a presentation from the Local Red Cross Chapter on their roll in this planning. Staff explained to the Board that with the shortage of flu vaccine, the Department was able to experience some of the vaccine dispensing planning and continue to use the vaccine clinics to learn more about Public Health Preparedness. The Board was informed that on September 14, 2006 a live drill of dispensing vaccine to essential personnel will take place and that the Koochiching County Board is identified as essential personnel.

000 The Land Commissioner reported on the results of the January 13, 2006 timber auction. All tracts were sold for a total auction sale value of $505,103 and that the sale included tracts of blow down.

2006/01-58 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to adjourn the meeting at 3:20 p.m. Voting yes: Adee, Hanson, Lepper, Pavleck; absent for vote: Briggs. Motion carried.