Koochiching County Board Minutes

Board Minutes

for

July 28, 2009

REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, July 28, 2009; 9:30 a.m.

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Daryl Waller, Randy Pozniak, Terry Glowack, Terry Murray, Dale Olson, Doug Skrief, Walt Buller, Carl Bowman, Jerry Olson, Linda Lafky, David Erickson, Arlene Fish, Robert Rasho, Etta Erickson, Joe Best, Ed Oerichbauer, Dan Klocek, Kim Nuthak, Julie Kennedy, Joanne Finstad, Bernie Woods, Dan McCarthy, Andy Hedlund, Joan Evanoff, Lorraine Hedlund, Dick Briese, Wayne and Mary Ann Kasich, Ron Wilcox; Reporters Laurel Beager and Sheldon Slaubaugh

2009/07-27 Motion by Adee, seconded by McBride to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2009/07-28 Motion by Adee, seconded by Pavleck to approve the minutes from the July 14, 2009 Regular County Board meeting. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board received notice of the hire of Kathryn Sikkila as the County Veterans Service Officer effective July 27, 2009.

2009/07-29 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride to approve payment of the Courthouse claims in the amount of $50,320.12; to approve payment of the Highway claims in the amount of $94,974.55; to approve payment of the Health claims in the amount of $15,081.96; to approve payment of the Community Service Department financial and social service program claims and administrative claims as presented. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2009/07-30 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to approve a three-day On-Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Brady M. Hasbargen for August 14, 15 and 16, 2009 for the Birchdale Softball Club Tournament as recommended by the County License Committee. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Representatives from the Rural Fire Protection Association met with the Board to inform them that upon hearing that the City of International Falls was looking for an increase in cost for renewal of their fire protection contract, the Association is looking at the option of forming a rural fire department to service the rural Fire Protection Service District. Though their desire is to continue with the International Falls Fire Department, they stated that the cost of a separate fire department needs to be explored to determine if other options are available. The representatives inquired as to whether the Armory Building would be available for a fire station as they need to determine facility cost in their equation for a Rural Fire Department. It would be their intent to review the option with the public if found feasible. The Board Chair stated that currently the facility is not useable as it needs a new boiler and roof and funding options are being explored to cover these costs. In addition, the County has plans for the facility but agreed to defer the issue to the County Management Committee to further discuss.

000 The Board received a request by Northland Progressive, a South Koochiching Organization, to meet with the County Board in Northome to discuss and share local and county issues. The Board Chair stated that the Organization will draft an agenda for the County’s review and is looking for a fall meeting date. The Board was agreeable and it was suggested that the Board consider meeting in other remote areas of the County as done in the past.

2009/07-31 Motion by McBride, seconded by Pavleck to renew the Tower Space Agreement with KQDS Acquisition Corporation for provision of the Fox Network on the County’s Van Lynn TV Tower at the same terms and conditions and for the term of August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2013 as recommended by the Administration Director and as requested by KQDS Corporation. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2009/07-32 Motion by McBride, seconded by Adee adopting the following resolution in support of the Polar Polers Ski Club’s 2009 Cross Country Ski Capital Improvement:

WHEREAS, Koochiching County supports the Grant in Aid Application made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $1,200 with fifty percent of the funding from the Federal Recreational Trail Grant Program and fifty percent matching funds from the State Cross Country Ski Capital Improvement Grant-in-Aid Program;

WHEREAS, Koochiching County recognizes the fifty (50) percent match requirement for the Federal Recreational Grant Program, which has been secured through the State Grant in Aid Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Koochiching County agrees as sponsor to accept the grant awards for said project through an agreement with the State of Minnesota DNR and through the executed County/Club Trail Agreement with the Polar Polers Ski Club for compliance with all applicable laws and environmental requirements and regulations and with assurance the trail will be maintained for no less than 20 years.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Koochiching County Board names County Auditor-Treasurer Robert Peterson at 715 Fourth Street, International Falls, MN as fiscal agent for Koochiching County. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2009/07-33 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper to table the Complex Superintendent’s request to replace flooring in sections of the Forestland Annex to allow time to obtain quotes for floor tile. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2009/07-34 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Adee authorizing the Community Service Director to fill a vacant Social Worker position as a result of internally filling a new County Social Worker position which was previously a state position. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2009/07-35 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride accepting the following recommendations for Foster Care Licensing: License Pauline Galvin for relative foster care for two children; closure of license for Deberreh McEldowny for child foster care; closure of license for Char Crane for child foster care; closure of license for Ann Coulombe for relative foster care; closure of license for Dale and Sandra Hansen for child foster care; relicense Donna Fairhurst for family day care for ten children. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Environmental Service Director provided the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a Conditional Use Permit and Rezoning for a four-acre rock quarry operation on an 80 acre parcel near Clementson with Bowman Construction as the applicant. This application was denied by the County Board one year ago due to the opposition of property owners in the Clementson area. Under the County Zoning Ordinance, the applicant was required to wait one year before reapplying, which he did and the Planning Commission again recommends its approval. The Board Chair opened session for public comment. The Applicant presented a petition with several hundred signatures supporting this quarry operation in the Clementson area and clarified the signatures on the petition opposing the quarry operation as to the number being residents, property owners in the area and the number in close proximity to the quarry area. He also provided maps showing the proximity of communities, businesses and homes that are one half mile from his current quarry operation on Highway 11 East to demonstrate that the quarry operation is not an issue to the surrounding area. In comparison to the Clementson operation, there are only a couple structures within one half mile of the operation site. He has never had complaints about his Highway 11 East operation and stated that quarry operations are needed and support economic development in the County. Several property owners from the Clementson area spoke against the quarry. It was stated that one year ago the County voted this same application down and question what has changed for the Board to now consider its approval. It was also stated that quarry and gravel pit operations already exist in this area so why is another needed. Additional signatures opposing the petition were submitted to the Board by petition and/or letters. As stated last year, property owners are concerned with blasting impacting water supply for their wells. One property owner just completed development of her property into two plats to sell 21 lots and opposes putting an industrial site next to her property as it will negatively impact the marketing of these lots. Others asked questions about road damage with material hauling from the site and stated concerns with disrupting a now quiet and recreational area with industrial operations. A construction worker spoke in favor of the quarry for supporting the construction jobs in the County. In response to Board members questions, the Applicant stated that he worked hard one year ago in hopes of getting the support from the property owners in the area and he is willing to do so again. The Board members felt that without the area’s support and nothing changing from last year, it is hard to support the same application now. Having said that, they acknowledged that the applicant does operate a good quarry operation and they have not received complaints on his operations. They also agreed that the quarry is needed resource and economics for the County and would like to see a compromise to allow it to proceed.

2009/07-36 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Adee to accept the petition opposing the Clementson Quarry Operation and accept the petition supporting the Clementson Quarry Operation submitted to the County Board at the July 28, 2009 Board meeting. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 Before the Board members moved the following motion the Applicant stated that he would be willing to extend the timeline under the 60 Day Rule to allow more time to consider his Clementson Area Quarry Operation Application.

2009/07-37 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by McBride that contingent on a signed agreement by Bowman Construction to extend the timeline for taking action on the Clementson Quarry Operation Petition under the 60 Day Rule, that the County Board schedule a site visit and meet with the Applicant and area residents on August 18, 2009 in Clementson to facilitate more discussion to see if any resolution can be brought forth to allow the quarry operation to move forward and with the County Board to act on the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the Clementson Quarry Operation at their September 1, 2009 County Board meeting. Voting yes: McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck; voting no: Hanson. Motion carried.

000 The Consultant for Koochiching Aging Options presented an organizational update for the new senior services organization and presented a request for the remaining $15,000 of the $40,000 allocated for the organization in the 2009 County Budget. The organization received previous notice that due to the need to reduce the County Budget as a result of State aid cuts, 10% of the 2009 County allocation would be withheld until such time as the Board has all the information to reconcile the 2009 County Budget and can make a final determination on the budget adjustments needed. The amount withheld is $4,000. In addition, the organization needs another $1,000 to balance their 2009 Budget based on their operation plan this year. The Community Service Director, serving as Treasurer for the organization, stated that the development of this new organization is a benefit to the seniors in the county and also a good support system for senior services and assistance to senior clients in their agency. He recommended that the $5,000 be allocated and would work with Administration to find the funding, understanding the Board’s across the board policy to reduce all line items in the 2009 County Budget. The Board concurred that it needs to adhere to the policy they put in place for reduction in the budget but would be willing to have the Community Service Director and Administration Director look at funding options that would not impact the directive now in place.

2009/07-38 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride to authorize the release of $11,000 for the Koochiching Aging Options as currently set in the 2009 County Budget under the Reduction Directive and authorize a review by Administration and Community Service Directors to find alternate funding to provide another $5,000 to the organization and submit a recommendation to the County Board. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board was notified of the hire of David Kunath as a Senior Engineering Technician effective July 27, 2009.

2009/07-39 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper to authorize the Highway Department to place gravel upon mutual agreement of land owner Ben LaVigne and the Highway Engineer and to replace a culvert as a one time maintenance agreement on an abandoned section of County Road No. 109, approximately 400 feet long, between the south half of the SE ¼ of the NW ¼ and the south half of the SW ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 33, Township 71 North, Range 23 West with the understanding that the property owner accepts all future maintenance of this section of roadway as recommended by the Highway Engineer. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair opened session for a final review of the Ranier Orderly Annexation before the County Board acts on the request to approve the Orderly Annexation. The Board Chair stated that property owners from the Plat of Brennans Beach notified him to state that they were unaware they were part of the Annexation Plan. The Board Chair asked the Ranier Mayor if there was any new information on the matter. The Mayor stated that the Rural Development funding for the waterline replacement has been secured and introduced their Grant Consultant for an update. The Consultant stated that the funding obligated is a 45% grant and 55% low interest loan to the City of Ranier for the waterline replacement in the area referred to as Second Bridge but said funding is contingent on annexation as the applicant and award is to the City of Ranier. In response to a question, this particular award can not be transferred but it does not prevent another governmental entity to make application, but it would be a start over situation. In response to a question as to who would maintain the roads in the annexed area, the Mayor stated that the City would be responsible and would look to the County for a contract. In addition, the increase in LGA coming to the expanded City would cover this cost. In opening the session for public comment, one Ranier resident stated that there has never been any open discussion about this annexation plan and it will triple the size of the City and today’s Ranier will be gone. A County resident stated that due to the lack of information given the public on this matter, it should be tabled. Others stated that they should be able to vote on this issue, stated that the reasons supporting annexation are not factually based and that the unorganized area is annexing Ranier, not the other way around. A property owner in the unorganized area stated that 4 widows live in an area without water service and they want it. That the Ranier Council is doing a good job in having the foresight to look ahead for the sake of the City and those they serve or could serve. Others stated concern after hearing that the funding application for waterline replacement was done over a year ago yet the people were only notified of the annexation plan within the last few months. Board members stated concern with the lack of information given the public, concerned that areas to be annexed were unaware of the plan and that based on public comment Board members received, the public is split as to who is for and against the annexation plan. One Board member stated, understanding all the concerns, that there is a need for waterline replacement in the Second Bridge area which is supported by the history of breaks in these lines and for this area annexation will provide the funding to replace the lines. That this is the City of Ranier’s future and he has to believe in the elected City body that for the long term it is in the best interest of the City and those it serves to consolidate.

2009/07-40 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Adee to approve the following joint resolution and annexation agreement in the matter of the Orderly Annexation between the City of Ranier and the County of Koochiching pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 414.0325. Voting yes: Hanson, Adee, Pavleck, Voting no: McBride, Lepper. Motion carried.

WHEREAS, the City of Ranier (the "City") and the County of Koochiching ("the "County") designate for orderly annexation, the lands described as: All of Section 36, Township 71, North, Range 24 West, except those parcels in the NW ¼ of NW ¼ which are in the International Falls City Limits and except the NE ¼ of SE ¼ and the NW ¼ of SE ¼; All of Section 25, Township 71 North, Range 24 West except those parcels previously incorporated by the City of Ranier; NW ¼ and SW ¼ of Section 31, Township 71 North, Range 23 West; NW ¼ and SW ¼ of Section 30, Township 71 North, Range 23 West except those parcels previously incorporated by the City of Ranier, Exhibit A, hereto within the County of Koochiching, Minnesota (the "Annexation Area"); and
WHEREAS, the City of Ranier and the County of Koochiching are in agreement as to the orderly annexation of the Annexation Area; and both believe it will be to their mutual benefit and to the benefit of their respective residents; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes § 414.0325 provides a procedure whereby the City and the County may agree on a process of orderly annexation of a designated area; and
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2009 a Notice of Intent, Exhibit G, to include property in an orderly annexation area was published pursuant to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes § 414.0325 Subd. lb; and
WHEREAS, the City and the County have agreed to all the terms and conditions for the annexation of the Annexation Area as outlined in this Joint Resolution and request an order consistent with this Joint Resolution, but, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 414,0325 subd. 2, wish to have a public hearing and consideration by the Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Office of Administrative Hearings - Municipal Boundary Adjustments (the "Office") within 30 to 60 days of the filing of this Joint Resolution pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 414.09.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, jointly by the City Council of the City and the Board of Commissioners of the County as follows:
1. Property. The Annexation Area is subject to orderly annexation pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes § 414.0325, and that the parties hereto designate the Annexation Area for
orderly annexation.
2. Acreage/Population/Usage. The Annexation Area consists of approximately 1,142 acres. The population in the Annexation Area is approximately 450 persons. The land type in the Annexation Area is suburban with rural open areas. The area of the City consists of approximately 98 acres. The City's population is approximately 173 persons (2006). The land type in the City is generally suburban and residential, with local businesses generally providing services for those recreating on Rainy Lake.
3. Jurisdiction. The County does, upon adoption of this Joint Resolution by the
Board of Commissioners, and the City does upon adoption of this Joint Resolution by the City
Council, upon acceptance by the Office, confer jurisdiction upon the Chief Administrative Law
Judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings so as to accomplish said orderly annexation
in accordance with the terms of this Joint Resolution.
4. Need. The Annexation Area is suburban with platted and rural open areas and is
unincorporated. Since the City is currently providing services to a portion of the Annexation
Area and is capable of providing additional services to the Annexation Area within a reasonable
time, the annexation would be in the best interest of the Annexation Area. Further, the
annexation will serve to provide water service to part of the Annexation Area, the residents of
which have petitioned for the same, namely, the residents of Jameson Addition, French Addition
and Three Points North area. Copies of said petitions, Exhibit C. All of the petitioners reside in the annexation area as shown on the map, Exhibit B.
5. Planning and Zoning.
a. Ranier Community Plan. On February 17, 2009 the City Council approved the
Ranier Community Plan, Exhibit D (the "Plan"). The Plan lays out recommendations for achieving the City's goals, including an implementation checklist that lists the action steps and timeline for each recommendation. Timelines for implementation vary from three months to several years. The implementation checklist follows page 28 of the Plan. The planning process utilized in developing the Plan focused on the City and the area in the County surrounding the City, including the areas in which the residents have petitioned the City for annexation and water service. (Exhibit C: Petition), as permitted by Minnesota Statutes § 414.0325 subd. 5, which grants the City planning authority over the Annexation Area. The planning process provided multiple opportunities for the public to provide advice and comments on the City's future development plans (see Tf6 below). The structure of the planning process included a review of community assets, vision-setting, and development of recommendations, resulting in the Plan. The City will use the Plan to guide decision making, set goals, and measure progress in the upcoming years.
b. Zoning. Recommendation C7 contained in the Plan is consideration by the City
of development of a Planning and Zoning Ordinance. Currently, land use and zoning regulation
in the City is pursuant to the City's Ordinance No. 64. The County has a Zoning Ordinance
which governs the Annexation Area (along with the rest of the County not incorporated into
Cities). It should be noted that in adopting a Planning and Zoning Ordinance, 2008 changes to
Minnesota Statutes § 462.357, subd. 9 require the consideration of the development controls and
objectives set forth in the Plan, among others. The City and the County agree that the County will retain its zoning control over the Annexation Area until the City has adopted a new City Zoning Ordinance ("City Zoning Ordinance") as recommended in the Plan. It is the intent of the City that upon adoption of a City Zoning Ordinance, the City Zoning Ordinance will control zoning in the Annexation Area and the City.
6. Public Process. This Joint Resolution is the result of substantial work and
cooperation by both the City and the County. Significant public input on the annexation was
solicited in a series of public meetings and discussion sessions. A chronology for all public
meetings and discussion sessions held, Exhibit E.
7. Tax Rate. The City and the County have estimated tax consequences of the
potential annexation on residents of the City and Annexation area. The estimates for various
levy amounts, Exhibit F.
8. Municipal Reimbursement of Assessments and Debt. Pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes § 414.036, the City and County agree that there will be no reimbursement from the City
to the County for the Annexation Area. Further, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 414.036, with
respect to any special assessment assigned by the County to the Annexation Area and any
portion of debt incurred by the County prior to the annexation and attributable to the Annexation
Area, there are no such special assessments or debt, and therefore, the City will not reimburse the
County for the same.
9. Sanitary Sewer Service. The City requests, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 116A.01 subd. 4, and the parties mutually understand, that the Annexation Area is to continue to receive sanitary sewer service as administered by the North Koochiching County Waste Water Treatment Board and as provided through the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District. The City will continue its current service unaltered, as administered by the North Koochiching County Waster Water Treatment Board and as provided through the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District.
10. Road Maintenance. The City and the County have estimated anticipated road
maintenance and construction costs resulting from this Joint Resolution. The City and the
County agree that the City will contract for snow removal in the Annexation Area under separate
contract.
11. Electric Utility Service. Electric utility service is currently provided by
Minnesota Power in the Annexation Area. The parties understand that Minnesota Power will
remain the electrical provider following the proposed annexation. The City and the County
hereby waive the electric utility service notice contemplated by Minn. Stat. § 414.0325 Subd. la.
12. Public Hearing and Order. The City and the County agree that upon receipt of
this Joint Resolution, passed and adopted by each party, the Chief Administrative Law Judge of
the Office of Administrative Hearings, shall set a time and place for a public hearing, as
contemplated by Minn. Stat. § 414.0325 subd. 2. Following this hearing, the City and County
agree that the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall make an order and set forth the factors
which are the basis for the Chief Administrative Law Judge's order, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §
414.0325 subd. 3.
13. Adopt and Enforce Regulations. The City and County agree to enact, adopt and
strictly enforce all such resolutions, ordinances, or regulations, as may be or shall be necessary to
give full effect to the stipulations contained in this Joint Resolution.
14. Governing Law. This Joint Resolution is made pursuant to, and shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.
15. Modification/Amendment. This Joint Resolution shall not be modified,
amended, or altered except upon the written joint resolution of the City and the County duly
executed and adopted by the City Council and the County Board of Commissioners and filed
with the Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Office of Administrative Hearings or his or her
successor.
16. Term. This Joint Resolution shall be in full force and effect perpetually, unless
terminated by mutual written joint resolution of the City and County. This Joint Resolution shall
be filed by the City with Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Office of Administrative Hearings after adoption by the parties.
17. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Joint Resolution is determined and adjudged to be unconstitutional, invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Joint Resolution shall remain in full force and effect, and the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith and agree to such amendments or modifications of or to this Joint Resolution or other appropriate actions as shall, to the maximum extent practicable in light of such determination, implement and give effect to the intentions of the parties hereto. Such actions shall include both the City and County supporting special legislation to reinstate any material provisions of this Joint Resolution which may be declared invalid by Minnesota Courts.
18. Headings and Captions. Headings and captions are for convenience only and
are not intended to alter any of the provisions of this Joint Resolution.
19. Entire Agreement. The terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Joint
Resolution, including the present and all fixture exhibits and attachments, shall constitute the
entire agreement between the parties hereto, superseding all prior agreements and negotiations.
This Joint Resolution shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors
and assigns of the City and the County.
20. Disputes and Remedies. The City and County agree as follows:
a. Negotiation. When a disagreement over the interpretation of any provision of this Joint Resolution shall arise, the City and the County will direct staff members to
meet at least one (1) time at a mutually convenient time and place to attempt to resolve
the dispute through negotiation.
b. Arbitration. When the parties to this Joint Resolution are unable to resolve
disputes, claims or counterclaims, or are unable to negotiate an interpretation of any
provision of this Joint Resolution, the parties may mutually agree in writing to seek relief
by submitting their respective grievances to binding arbitration. Either party may seek
relief through initiation of an action in a court of competent jurisdiction. In addition to
the remedies provided for in this Joint Resolution and any other available remedies at law
or equity, in the case of a violation, default or breach of any provision of this Joint
Resolution, the non-violating, non-defaulting, or non-breaching party may bring an action
for specific performance to compel the performance of this Joint Resolution in
accordance with its terms.
c. Attorney's fees to prevailing party. In the event a court action is brought to enforce any of the terms of this agreement, the prevailing party, if any, shall be entitled to
payment of all its court costs, including reasonable attorney's fees.
d. Jointly drafted Agreement. In the event of litigation involving this Joint
Resolution, the parties shall deem this Joint Resolution to have been jointly drafted by the
City and the County.
21. Notice. Any notices required under the provisions of this Joint Resolution shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if delivered in person or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, as follows:
I If to the City: City of Ranier If to the County: Koochiching County
Attn: Clerk-Treasurer Attn: Coordinator
2099 Spruce Street Courthouse
P.O. Box 186 715 4th Street
Ranier, MN 56668 International Falls, MN 56649

22. Exhibits. The Exhibits to this Joint Resolution are the following: Exhibit A:Legal Description; Exhibit B: Map of Annexation Area; Exhibit C: Petition for annexation by property owners; Exhibit D:Ranier Community Plan; Exhibit E: Chronology; Exhibit F: Estimates for various levy amounts; and Exhibit G: Notice of Intent and Affidavit of Publication.

000 The Board Chair called for public comment at 12:00 p.m.: No comment was presented. The Board recessed the meeting at 12:00 p.m. to handle scheduled committee business and reconvened the regular meeting at 1:05 p.m.

000 The Board received a request to support a resolution in which the Northeast Service Cooperative is applying for $40 million in federal grants and loans to bring Broadband Technology to unserved or underserved communities which may include International Falls. Commissioner Adee stated that ARDC is also looking to bring this technology to the region. Board agreed to follow up on these initiatives before taking any action. The Board Chair was asked by Lake of the Woods County Board to join them in sending staff to the AMC COHORT Leadership Program allowing up to 6 staff from each county to attend classes at a $1,000 registration fee per person. The Board declined participation.

2009/07-41 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride authorizing the Board Chair to appoint two Board members to work with the City of International Falls on an agenda to identify issues as the first step in meeting the City’s request for a joint city/county meeting to discuss items relating to economic development. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried. (Board Chair appointed Commissioners Lepper and McBride.)

2009/07-42 Motion by McBride, seconded by Adee to adjourn the meeting at 1:10 p.m. Voting yes: Hanson, McBride, Adee, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.