PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARTIN COUNTY
OCTOBER 21, 2003
@ 9:00 A.M.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gerald Boler at 9:00 A.M. Commissioners Steve Donnelly, Steve Pierce, Jack Potter, and Dan Schmidtke were present. Also present were Terry Viesselman, County Attorney, Jim Forshee, County Auditor/Treasurer, Scott Higgins, County Coordinator, Kevin Peyman, Highway Engineer, Christine Rupp, Fairmont Sentinel, Rod Halverson, KSUM/KFMC Radio, and members of the Public.
Motion
by Commissioner Donnelly, second by Commissioner Potter that the Agenda with
the following additions: (1) Consider Jail Food Service Contract for 2004-2005
(2) Minnesota Valley Action (MVAC) Weatherization Proclamation. Carried
unanimously.
Motion
by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by Commissioner Donnelly, that the minutes for
the October 7, 2003 Martin County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes are
hereby approved. Carried unanimously.
Terry
Viesselman, County Attorney, updated the Board on the status of the MCAEDI Loan
to Steve Saggau, (d.b.a. Gril-Del, Inc).
Viesselman has not heard back from Steve Saggau, pertaining to the
Boards proposed settlement offer for the Loan.
Commissioner
Pierce suggested that if Gril-Del, Inc. does not respond to the second notice,
the County Attorney should proceed with action in collection of the loan. After
further discussion,
The
Board directed the County Attorney to initiate action against Mr. Saggau,
Gril-Del, Inc., if there is no response to the Countys proposed settlement for
the MCAEDI Loan.
Viesselman
also informed the Board that the Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust (MCIT) has
requested for settlement documents regarding the Amberfield case.
Pam
Flitter, Environmental Service Technician, was on hand to ask that the Board
consider a one-year extension for the Interim Zoning Ordinance.
Viesselman
provided the statute covering the extension of the Interim Zoning Ordinances.
Viesselman
further stated that the Interim Ordinance was extended for one year beginning
July 3, 2002 and expired July of 2003.
Flitter
stated that a permit has been requested for a 1,000 animal unit (AU) feedlot
facility. The applicant has verbally agreed to go through the conditional use
process and work with the Environmental Services Department. After discussion,
Motion
was made by Commissioner Schmidtke, seconded by Commissioner Potter, Be It
Resolved that the Martin County Board of Commissioners, hereby set November 18,
2003 at 10:00a.m. for a Public Hearing in consideration of extending the
Interim Zoning Ordinance on November 18, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. is hereby approved.
Carried unanimously.
Peyman
reviewed a letter from Region Nine regarding the Highway Trunk Survey, being
taken by Region Nine. Peyman asked if
the Board has input for the survey, to contact him.
Commissioner
Pierce inquired about the status of construction projects relating to Highway
#15 and if any were in the construction plan.
Peyman
responded that various highway construction projects have been shifted around
in the construction plan and will monitor any work planned for Highway #15 and
will include the Boards concern in the Survey.
Peyman
updated the Board on the construction work on County Road #53, stating that the
work should be finished next week and open to traffic. Peyman also informed the
Board that contractors would begin milling on County Road #39 and complete the
scheduled overlay. This would include work to be done at the Fairgrounds.
Discussion
ensued on Judicial Ditch #20. Steve
Thompson was present. Thompson stated
that video work had been done on JD #20.
Thompson further stated when the Ceylon road was re-done the drainage
tile was not installed properly- the tile lies flat and the water pools at the
north end of tile. Thompson informed
the Board that the Highway Department had reviewed the video.
Peyman
responded that he has not seen the video and that the construction work was
completed in 1987. Peyman stated that he would view the area and determine what
needed to be done.
Darrin
Newville, Martin County SWCD Technician, and Deb Mosloski, Drainage Specialist,
were on hand to present a petition for Impoundment of JD 73 #2 and to appoint
an engineer to the project.
Newville
presented the petition and reviewed the work to be completed. Newville
recommended the appointment of Tom Windall as engineer for the project. After further discussion,
Motion
by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by Commissioner Potter, Be It Resolved, that
the Martin County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Drainage Authority for
Martin County and having received Petition for Impoundment of Judicial Ditch 73
#2, hereby set the required public hearing for November 4, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.
and to appoint Tom Windall as engineer for the project. Carried unanimously.
Newville
updated the Board on the ditch clean out situation near Ceylon. Newville informed the Board that it has been
determined that the stream is a public water and that the Minnesota DNR has the
authority to determine the clean out for the ditch. Newville stated that the DNR has requested that the SWCD to
complete a profile summary of the affected stream and that the SWCD has agreed
to do this.
With
no further report, the Board thanked Newville for the presentation.
Sheriff
Gerhardt updated the Board on the activities of the Sheriffs Department. Gerhardt informed the Board that an
agreement has been signed with Kossuth County, Iowa to house Martin County
prisoners for $50.00 a day. Nobles
County also seems to be agreeable with the $50.00 a day charge to house
inmates. Sheriff Gerhardt further
stated that Nobles County has been researching the possibility of providing a
shuttle service in the transportation of inmates. This would tremendously save
on staff time in Martin County in transportation of prisoners.
Gerhardt
stated that a yearly mandatory Mock Exercise has been completed. A final meeting of the exercise will be held
on Oct. 24, 2003 at the Fairmont Hospital.
The result of the mock exercise exposed some of the areas the Emergency
Response Community needed to work on.
Gerhardt
also reminded the Board members that the Criminal Justice System study being
conducted by the National Institute of Correction on October 28th
and 29th and a Public Community meeting is being held the morning of
the 30th starting at 8:30 in the Fairmont Library meeting room.
Gerhardt
stated that the Probation Department has requested staff to again conduct Bail
Studys as they book prisoners and that the Minnesota Department of
Corrections would contribute $25.00/inmate to the county.
Gerhardt
stated that on October 23, 2003 he will be meeting with Senator Rosen on the
proposed "Meth Bill" that she will be sponsoring for Martin County
and recognized Deputy Ginger Peterson for her work on this issue. Gerhardt stated that the Governors Office
has caught wind of this initiative and is enthusiastic about it.
Sheriff
Gerhardt presented the Outstanding Citizen Award to Charles Patsche, stating
that he assisted Alicia Trueblood in an injury accident that occurred in Martin
County.
Alicia
Trueblood told her story about the accident, many thank yous, hugs, and tears
were shared.
The
Board recessed at 10:10 A.M.
The
Board reconvened at 10:24 A.M.
The
Weatherization Day Proclamation was presented.
Motion
by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by
Commissioner Potter.
WEATHERIZATION
DAY
Whereas, the County of Martin has
long recognized the plight of low-income families and individuals in meeting
their home energy needs; and,
Whereas, low income household spend
a disproportionate percentage of their annual incomes on home energy bills;
and,
Whereas, the United States
department of Energy developed the Weatherization Assistance program in 1976 as
the federal governments cost-effective, permanent solution for reducing the
heavy energy burden on low-income Americans; and,
Whereas, this Program not only saves energy through advanced technologies to improve the energy affordability for low-income families, but also saves lives and improves the health and safety of families by identifying carbon monoxide hazards, poor indoor air quality, mold, and other health threats; and,
Whereas, the Weatherization Assistance program keeps jobs and dollars in local communities by operating through a network of approximately 34 well-trained program providers serving every community in the state;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Martin county Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 30, 2003 as: Weatherization Day in Martin County and encourage state and local Weatherization professionals to deliver cost-effective, advanced technologies, to increase energy savings in each home served, to leverage state, local and private resources to make each federal dollar work harder, and to heighten the awareness of energy efficiency in communities throughout the state.
___________________________
Gerald Boler, Chair
ATTEST:____________________________
Scott Higgins, County Coordinator
Those
voting AYE: Commissioners Boler, Donnelly, Schmidtke, Potter and Pierce.
Adopted
this 21st day of October 2003.
Higgins
presented the Liquor License Application for I-90 Expo Center.
Motion
by Commissioner Schmidtke, seconded by Commissioner Donnelly, Be It Resolved
that the Martin County Board of Commissioners hereby approve the Liquor License
Application for non-intoxicating liquor license for I-90 Expo located in Martin
County contingent upon obtaining the proper insurance coverages. Carried unanimously.
Higgins
stated that two county appointments are needed for the South Central Minnesota
Multi County Housing Re-develpment Authority (HRA). In the past appointments
were one County Commissioner and one citizen appointment, Commissioner Pierce
is the current Commissioner serving on the HRA Board.
Motion
by Commissioner Donnelly, seconded by Commissioner Potter, Be It Resolved that
the Martin County Board of Commissioners hereby appoint Steve Pierce as
representative to the SouthCentral Minnesota Multi County Housing
Re-development Authority (HRA) Board for term beginning October 1, 2003 to
September 30, 2004. Carried
Unanimously.
Staff
delegates to attend the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual
Conference are Scott Higgins, County Coordinator, Jim Hallstrom, County
Assessor and Jim Forshee, Auditor/Treasurer. Higgins informed the Board that a
formal resolution would be presented in November.
Tim
Hanratty, Hanratty and Associates, 7407 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN,
presented and reviewed the Select 105 Health Plan for Martin County employees
and retirees for 2004. After much
discussion,
Motion
by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by Commissioner Donnelly, Be It Resolved, that
the Martin County Board of Commissioners, Whereas, the County considers it
desirable and in the best interest of the all, hereby approve the Select 105
Plan with Hanratty and Associates and to purchase a $1,000 CMM Deductible
Health Plan (the Plan) as the underlying plan for the three existing Blue
Cross/Blue Shield $250, 1,000 CMM and
Double Gold plans that are currently in place; that the appropriate officers of
the County are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver all
documents necessary for the proper
implementation of the Plan and to ensure that the Plan is approved and in
effect by January 1, 2004. Carried
unanimously.
Motion
by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by Commissioner Donnelly, that the Martin
County Board of Commissioners; on an annual basis determines employee
contributions toward health insurance coverages; hereby sets the employee
monthly contributions for the following health plans offered by the Employer,
$1,000 CMM- $0 for single, $262.89 Family, $250 CMM- $35.71 single, $372.39
family, Double Gold- $49.02 single, $492.46 family, for the year 2004. Carried
unanimously.
Dave
Werner, Southwest District Extension Director, was on hand to request approval
for the Memorandum of Agreement with University of Minnesota Extension 4-H
Program Coordinator in Martin County beginning January 1, 2004.
Werner
stated that the contract is for a three-year period, but the University would
work with the County if they wanted a yearly contract. Werner stated the
University Extension has an existing Agreement with the County that states that
Extension will provide 40% of the Program Coordinators salary for the year
2005, based on the initial 4-H Program Coordinators hourly wage and that
Extension will continue to honor the cost share agreement.
Werner
further stated that if the Board signs the new agreement, the 4-H Coordinator
position will become a University of Minnesota Extension employee and will no
longer be a County position. The County would be purchasing the position from
Extension to serve Martin Countys 4-H Program.
Commissioner
Schmidtke stated that the County needs the 4-H Program to continue.
Commissioner
Potter asked Werner that Extension send a letter clarifying the countys
options if the County did not go through the University for a 4-H Program
Coordinator position and continued the position as a county employee.
Werner
responded that it would no longer be a 4-H Program and that the countys
program would be considered just a youth program.
Commissioner
Schmidtke stated that if there were not a 4-H connection, Martin County youth
involved with 4-H would not be able to show at the State Fair. They would only be eligible for open class
exhibits.
Werner
stated that there are guidelines set up by 4-H and all participants projects
would have to be qualified as 4-H entries.
Commissioner
Pierce stated that the University is implying that the countys 4-H Program
Coordinator would be a county employee at University pay.
Werner
responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner
Boler suggested that with the salary cost share agreed by the University that
for nearly the same dollars for 50% FTE, that it may make some sense to
increase the position to a 60%-75% FTE.
After much more discussion,
Motion
by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Donnelly that the
consideration of the Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Minnesota
Extension 4-H Program is hereby tabled until the next meeting.
Those
voting AYES: Commissioners Boler, Pierce, Donnelly and Potter. NAYES: Commissioner Schmidtke. Motion carried.
Higgins
presented the renewal for the Voluntary Dental Insurance Program through
Fortis. Participation required is a
minimum of 20% of all eligible employees. Higgins stated that for 2004, Fortis
is offering a Hi-Lo Dental Plan. This offering gives a choice to employees to
purchase a full dental plan (Hi-plan) or a preventative plan (Lo-plan).
After
discussion,
Motion
by Commissioner Schmidtke, seconded by Commissioner Potter, Be It Resolved,
that the Martin County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the Hi-Lo Fortis
Voluntary Dental Insurance Program with a vision benefit attached to it for
those employee who are eligible, that the appropriate officers of the County
are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver all documents
necessary for the proper implementation of the Plan and to ensure that the Plan
is approved and in effect by January 1, 2004.
Carried unanimously.
Higgins
requested approval with revision to the service hours of the Martin County
Express in the City of Fairmont.
Higgins stated that the Board had taken a previous action August 5, 2003
for bus service to run 4:45 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and that due to needed budget
adjustments the bus service hours needs to be revised to 5:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Monday through Friday in the City of Fairmont. This also needs to be corrected for Board minutes of the September
2, 2003 meeting, which should read that the revised Transit System hours are
5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City of Fairmont.
Motion
by Commissioner Potter, seconded by Commissioner Schmidtke, Be It Resolved,
that the Martin County Board of Commissioners hereby approve the revision of
the Martin County Express Bus service hours in the City of Fairmont from 4:45
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Carried unanimously.
Motion
by Commissioner Schmidtke, seconded by Commissioner Donnelly, Be It Resolved,
that the Martin County Board of Commissioners hereby approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the Jail Service Food Contract with Daves Home Plate, owner Dave
Kuhl, of Fairmont, MN. at $2.89 per meal, effective January 1, 2004- December
31, 2005. Carried unanimously.
Higgins
presented the warrants to be paid October 21, 2003. After discussion,
Motion
by Commissioner Pierce, seconded by Commissioner Potter, Be It Resolved, that
the Martin County Board of Commissioners hereby approve the warrants for
October 21, 2003 be paid with the exception of the payment to Waste Management
of $10.16 for disposal of a copier. Carried unanimously.
.
The Court reporter would need to pay that bill for the disposal of his
personnel copier.
Warrants to be paid October 21, 2003 with the following funds:
Ditch Fund: Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 3,960.37
Revenue Fund: Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $219,917.21
Park & Recreation Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 19,415.65
Enhanced 911-Fund Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 360.36
Solid Waste Mangt Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 17,014.83
Law Library Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 1,206.25
Martin County Transit Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 26,308.15
Building CIP Fund Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 1,887.78
Bank Bldg Fund Warrants to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 7,076.11
Debt Service-Prairieland Warrants
to be paid 10-21-03 Totaled: $ 54,157.50
$347,343.84
The
Board reviewed their reports and calendars of previous and upcoming meetings.
The
Change Order for the construction project for the Security Building/Courthouse
was deleted from the Agenda as well as the Budget Workshop meeting.
The
Budget Workshop is to be re-scheduled for October 29, 2003 at 1:30 P.M. in the
Extension Meeting Room.
Higgins
informed the Board of the Fairmont Glows Parade entry form and that if the
Board was interested in being in the parade to contact the Coordinators Office.
Higgins
also informed the Board that the quarterly joint meeting with the Martin County
Soil and Water Conservation District is set for November 4, 2003 for at 12:00
P.M. at the Holiday Inn, Fairmont.
Higgins
informed the Board that the County has met with the Exploratory Labor
Management Committee last week and that another meeting has been scheduled for
November 4, 2003 at 1:30 P.M.
Information documents were included with the agenda packets for the
Board to review.
Included
in the agenda packet was the 2003 third quarter budget report for the Martin
County Express Transit System. Higgins
reported that the Transit System was on target with the year-to-date expenses
and that the revenues have exceeded projections year-to-date. There were no
questions on the report.
With
no further business to wit, and upon a motion by Commissioner Pierce, seconded
by Commissioner Donnelly to adjourn. Carried unanimously.
The
next regular Commissioners Meeting will be held November 4, 2003 at 9:00 A.M.
in the Martin County Extension Meeting Room.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MARTIN COUNTY, MN
_______________________________
Gerald Boler, Chairman
ATTEST:_________________________
Scott Higgins
County Coordinator