REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008; 11:00 a.m.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Bob Peterson, Randy Pozniak, Bruce Budris, Brian Youso, Allen
Kruse, Doug Grindall, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bush; Reporter Lisa Kascke

2008/10-17 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Briggs to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

2008/10-18 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper to approve the minutes from the October 7, 2008 County Board meeting. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

2008/10-19 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Briggs to approve payment of the Auditor claims in the amount of $87,752.77, to authorize the Board Chair’s signature to the Auditor’s September vendor payment listing verifying its review and to approve expenditure up to $1,200 from the Sheriff’s 2008 County Jail Capital Equipment Budget for 8 mattresses. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

2008/10-20 Motion by Briggs, seconded by Lepper to certify the delinquent 2008 Rural Fire Protection Billings as imposed under the Subordinate Service Taxing District for a described area within the boundaries of School District 361 in the amount of $17,730 to the County Auditor for collection on the 2009 tax statements. Voting yes: Pavleck, Adee, Lepper, Briggs; voting no: Hanson. Motion carried.

2008/10-21 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Lepper to approve a Joint Powers Agreement for the Northeast Minnesota Regional Radio Board to provide for regional administration of local and regional enhancements to the Statewide Public Safety Radio and Communication System (ARMER) owned and operated by the State of Minnesota as recommended by the County Sheriff and upon review of the Agreement by the County Attorney. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.

000 The Veteran Services Officer reviewed the federal initiative to locate a new V.A. Home in Minnesota and sought the Board’s interest in locating the facility in the County. In reviewing what impact the V.A. Home would have on existing care facilities in the County, he was able to talk with one of the County’s care center administrator who felt that a fully federal funded V.A. Care Center would compete with the local nursing homes in filling beds and in hiring staff. The V.A. Home would take clientele from outside the county, bringing people to the county and funnel federal dollars in to the local economy. However, this economic opportunity has to be weighed with the impact it would have on our existing care centers in the county. The Board Chair asked that the VSO follow up with the other care center administrators in the county to get their feedback and to explore options to provide veteran services through initiatives with the County’s care and medical facilities.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:40 a.m. Dennis Bush requested the County to allow him to hook up to the County’s well at the Loman Highway Garage. Mr. Bush stated that after the County dug their well deeper, they lost water in their well. Mr. Bush stated that the water level is up some now, but it hasn’t returned to the level it was prior to the work done on the County well. With winter approaching, they would like to hook up to the County’s well so they have adequate water for the winter. The Board was agreeable to allow the hook up for the winter to give the County time to assess their position as to whether the work done on the county well impacted the water level of this private well. That before this temporary hookup is to occur, the Highway Engineer will work with MCIT and the County Attorney to ensure the County is held harmless for allowing this hookup. With no other comment, the Board Chair closed public comment period.

2008/10-22 Motion by Hanson, seconded by Adee to adjourn the meeting at 11:55 a.m. Voting yes: Pavleck, Hanson, Adee, Lepper, Briggs. Motion carried.