REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008; 11:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs
MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Susan Congrave, Michael Malachi, Mic Kuryla, Mike Ward

2008/09-17 Motion by Adee, seconded by Hanson to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

2008/09-18 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper to approve the minutes from the September 9 County Board meeting with correction to Board Motion 2008/09-11 to state the County Board’s position to support the gap signage designations proposed for Scenic Byway State Highway 11 but excluding additional language with regards to scenic byway support and enforcement. Voting yes: Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs; absent for vote: Pavleck. Motion carried.

2008/09-19 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Adee to approve payment of the Highway claims in the amount of $99,230.75 and authorizing the Board Chair’s signature to the Auditor’s August Vendor Payment List verifying its review. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

2008/09-20 Motion by Briggs, seconded by Hanson to approve a Koochiching County and City of Big Falls Tower and Building Lease Agreement for the County Television System for a five-year period and at the requested increased rate of $300.00 a month with Administration to coordinate with the City of Big Falls in finalizing the Lease Agreement. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

2008/09-21 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper to acknowledge receipt of the Health Professional Advisory Committee minutes from the May 12, 2008 meeting. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

000 The Health Director reviewed her August Director’s report with the Board.

2008/09-22 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Briggs to award low bid to Wagner Construction, Inc. in the amount of $233,074.00 for the CSAH 43 Project (SAP 036-643-006) as recommended by the Highway Engineer. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:40 a.m. Mic Kuryla inquired as to why the County needed to increase its tax levy when taxpayers are stressed with high energy costs. Board members explained that with no new or increased revenues and mandated service obligations, the County has to look to tax levy and county reserve funding and expenditure cuts to balance the budget. In addition, Board members stated that the increase in the 2009 county tax levy is expected to be offset by added new construction valuation to maintain the county rate at the same level as 2008. Mike Ward introduced himself as the new Voyageurs National Park Superintendent stating that his position as Superintendent of the Park is to be flexible, open to cooperative efforts and continue to build relations and make the park a strong member of the community.

2008/09-22 Motion by Briggs, seconded by Adee to adjourn the meeting at 12:00 p.m. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.