REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010; 10:35 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Hanson (On Other County Business)

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Doug Grindall, Tim Shuff, Berry Sherwood, Gail Rognerud, Cynthia Jaksa, Einar Sundin, Glen Wright, 9 members of the public, Phil Miller, Brian Jesperson, Linda Chezick; Reporters Laurel Beager and Sheldon Slaubaugh

2010/03-01 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve the agenda with additions and deletions. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2010/03-02 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2010 regular meeting. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2010/03-03 Motion by Lepper, seconded by McBride to approve payment of the monthly County Board expense claims in the amount of $8,055.00. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried

2010/03-04 Motion by Lepper, seconded by Pavleck to set the salary for the elected County Sheriff, County Attorney, County Recorder and County Auditor/Treasurer for 2009 and 2010 at the same level as 2008; to provide paid 2009 and 2010 life insurance at the same level as 2008; provide paid 2009 and 2010 health insurance with 100% of the premium paid for single health coverage and $1,142 per month and $1,211 per month paid for family health coverage for 2009 and 2010 respectively. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2010/03-05 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to approve the Koochiching County Vehicle Policy as recommended by the Administration Director, the Koochiching County Motor Pool Vehicle Policy as recommended by the Car Pool Committee; to approve the 2010 Mileage Reimburse Rate of $.50 cents (IRS rate) for personal vehicle mileage when county vehicles are not available at the worksite and 85% of the 2010 IRS Rate or $.425 cents for car pool usage charge to departments and for using a personal vehicle when county vehicles are available at the worksite; to approve a revised 2010 Car Pool Budget adding $6,512 for insurance, reducing vehicle purchase to $20,000 and adding a $50,000 Transfer to the 2010 General Revenue Budget to cover the cost of the Sheriff vehicle purchases for 2010. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2010/03-06 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper accepting the recommendation of the Highway Engineer for the Certificate of Performance for SAP 36-702-03 (CSAH 102) with Bowman Construction for a final contract amount of $156,357.37. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

000 The Highway Engineer presented a stipulation agreement between the County and MD&W Railroad which is needed to establish a public crossing of the railroad track on the private road owned by Boise which through a pending five-year easement agreement will be opened to the public as a County road. Representatives of the Highway 53 Business Owners stated continued concerns with the County’s plan to put their road through to Highway 11 from Highway 332. Commissioners spoke to the Gateway Project that is in the works to enhance Highway 53 as the gateway to Voyageurs National Park and the proposed Site 10 for the Customs Facility that will use Highway 53 for routing traffic to the bridge as examples of what is being done to support Highway 53 businesses. In addition, this 5 year easement to open up the Boise road as a public road will allow the County to see how it is used and what impact it has overall before making a final decision to establish the route long term as an extension of Highway 332. Under the 5 year easement, the Burner Road would be left open as a public road but the alternate route is hoped to take traffic off the Burner Road.

2010/03-07 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper to approve a Stipulation Agreement between Koochiching County and MD&W Railway as recommended by the Highway Engineer and approved by the County Attorney for the purpose of establishing a public railroad track crossing on a private road owned by Boise and to be turned over to the County to open as a public road under a 5 year easement agreement. Voting yes: Adee, Lepper, Pavleck; voting no: McBride. Motion carried.

000 The Board Chair opened public comment at 11:10 a.m. Councilors Gail Rognerud and Cynthia Jaksa informed the Board that it is the City’s desire to have a signed contract with Rural Fire in the County Administration Office by the 30 day deadline but the signature is pending the City Attorney seeking information to determine the legality of the City to enter into a contract with Rural Fire. Einar Sundin asked when the old rural fire signs would be taken down as they have been replaced by the 911 Signs. Glen Wright along with several other members of the public stated their concerns of continued neglect of livestock at a particular location in the County as the animals are not getting proper food, water and care. A report provided by Law Enforcement was reviewed as to condition of the animals via a Senior Humane Agent and Veterinarian visiting the site and assessing the animals on February 10th. The report stated that the animals at that time were in satisfactory condition and there was no evidence to believe that the animals were in danger or neglected to be removed from the property. The County Attorney stated that though it would be everyone’s desire to just remove the animals, Law Enforcement and his office have to work within the law. The Board members stated that though the County Board has no powers of enforcement and prosecution, they are willing to facilitate a review of the matter with Law Enforcement and the County Attorney. Linda Chezick informed the Board that March 29th is Vietnam Veterans Day and the VFW will be providing a breakfast for these veterans. The Board agreed to pass a proclamation at their next meeting to recognize this day for the Vietnam vets.

2010/03-08 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by Lepper to add the issue of animal cruelty to the agenda. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2010/03-09 Motion by Pavleck, seconded by McBride to assign the review of the public complaint on an issue of animal cruelty to the Management Committee for review with a report back to the Board. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.

2010/03-10 Motion by McBride, seconded by Lepper to adjourn the meeting at 12:17 p.m. Voting yes: Adee, McBride, Lepper, Pavleck. Motion carried.