Are we ready? All right. I'm going to call this meeting to order and stand for the pledge of >> allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> [cough] [clears throat] >> Good morning everybody. Um just a reminder if you are here to speak um to sign in um for the if you're here
for the wakeboat ordinance we will address you at the time that it is on the agenda. Please, if you plan on speaking, um, sign in on the sign-in sheet there,
>> Madam Chair, you mean if you plan on speaking at open form? >> Yeah. >> Yes. Yes. >> So, open form is early in >> Yes. If you plan on speaking at the for the wakeboard vote ordinance, you don't need to sign in. >> You can state your name later at >> Yep. Yep.
>> All right. Um, any changes to the agenda? Um, Madame Chair, I would uh ask to add the item of the Verizon tower. I had spoken to a few of you. I had a conversation um with uh the gentleman
from Verizon and I know we've had some questions with regards to that tower. So, I've invited him here. So, I would ask to add that item and I believe Peggy um confirmed that he is online. >> Okay. >> At what time? >> What do you want to put it on? >> Um it's entire he's online. So, if you
would like to take him early, that's fine. >> Can we put him on hold for a few hours like we all get put on hold from Verizon? >> It's entirely up to you, Commissioner. Um, let's
>> put it number two under car's report. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I mean, he'll be here after the >> Yeah, >> that'll be a while, but Okay. Any other changes to the agenda? Madam Chair, I I have a question on the
9:00 Picker Lake seeking water surface ordinance. Are we are we looking to set a public hearing for that? Is that what that discussion is about and to what that public hearing would entail? Is that >> um Madam Madame Chair? Um or if you do you want me to answer? >> Yep, you go ahead.
>> Okay. [laughter] Um all of them are here. If you recall a year ago, um we had some clarification from the DNR about the about the process if they want to look at this. So in answer to your question, Commissioner, we would be looking, this board would need to review the information, make the
decision whether or not on behalf of the lake association to submit the application to the DNR for consideration as well as set because it's our standard to set the public hearing. So both of those items >> I guess I guess I'm a little confused on
that statement. Are we we set a public hearing prior to sending >> that is what um sending to the DNR. Is that correct? >> That is my understand that is that public hearing whether we want to send support or not. >> That's that's correct because um we
would be the authorized individual. >> We're basically at this time having a brief discussion about whether we should set a public hearing or not and to what what requirement we would have that public hearing, what restriction we'd have that public hearing. >> Yes. And if yes and in um I believe
information that was sent to all of you, there was a model um our draft, excuse me, a draft ordinance that they would like the association lake association would like to have considered. However, you would have the ability to modify that if you so choose. >> Okay. Thank you for that.
>> All right. Anything else? If not, I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda with the changes. >> All right. I have a motion by Dave. Do you have a second? >> Second. >> All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. >> All right. Next, we have the minutes. Anybody have any corrections [clears throat] or omissions >> from the July 21st meeting? M.
>> Madam Chair, I have one page uh two of three under informational technology. Uh the number num b or number one uh motion second to upgrade the current Microsoft 2019 licenses and MSSQL licenses to 2022
and 2025. I'm just confused on that. >> That I had that also because I wasn't really sure what that meant. >> Yeah, I don't know what that means. >> Aren't those the updates the year the the year of the updates? >> Are we updating them to 2022 and 2025? Judy's I'm sure online but I think
that's the that is the um >> year of year the updates were >> that's the number of the updates that like >> I I guess I'm not sure exact I thought that's what the updates were called the 22 update and the 25 update >> I I think that's correct but I wasn't
100% sure so >> okay >> okay >> yeah and then I had one more under land use just down below that where we're we're hiring made the two part-time to full-time. Um, and then it says, uh, pay station
attendant position to include other duties on the solid waste campus. Should we say other duties assigned instead of just other duties? Does that makes Does that >> I think it's I think it'll be in the >> job description. Job description. Okay. So, it was just made to so they could be
more versatile. >> Okay. >> All right. That's all I had. >> All right. Anything else, >> Madam Chair? Just under appointments. Um, under the second bullet point, post. It says appointment appointments. I think just eliminate the word post EDA because that I'm wondering if that's
we're just saying we need to post just put an EDA opening on district one. Post was maybe just a reminder to do it. I don't know. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Anything else? If not, I'll entertain [clears throat] a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes with
>> All right. Do I have a second? >> Second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. All right. Consent agenda. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to pull item six.
Uh, not that. Uh, I just want to talk about it some more just so you know what's going on there. And we could do that now and then approve it if you want to. Or >> could you just do it in reports? >> I could. Yeah, let's approve it now and if you want to talk about it or if you have a It's no voting. It'll be just
forward discussion. Yep, I can do that. >> And I will with >> I wonder I wonder if >> I think it would make more sense for us to vote for it after open form if we're going to discuss it at the open form >> or or just >> you know what I mean. >> Not open form, but
>> I don't mean open form. >> I mean just >> I mean reports. >> If we're going to discuss it, I think we should approve it afterwards. >> Well, just discuss it now then. >> Let's do it now. >> All right, let's do it now. >> Okay. just uh our like I said, our solid waste campus is growing. This is
something that I I just wanted you to be aware that these containers are one thing, but the next thing that's going to be coming is a is is a truck to haul these things around. Um I don't know if it'll be next year, this fall yet, but uh I don't want to surprise anybody. Uh [clears throat]
like I said, our waste campus is growing and this is the first part of something that's going to be coming down the road. And that's really all I wanted because we have fees. We've got to wait for a Hog truck, a Mackner truck to come up there to move all these things around our campus. Um, so it's the same
conversation you had when when I wasn't on the board, but when you were hauling stuff to PURM and and you decided to buy trucks. Um, this is the same kind of >> this truck isn't wouldn't you could buy a used one and should be fairly >> because it would be just for around the campus.
>> They're not um as expensive as a waste truck. Correct. I mean, these are relatively >> they're they're affordable and we can't be doing something and then watch for how max [clears throat] but these these trucks aren't a high item. They're not a
high dollar one. I I would imagine you could retrofit any tractor >> for a reasonable amount. >> Yeah. >> Or they shouldn't I don't think they're too >> No, they're not bad. You buy [clears throat] a used one, they're not bad and they're available. Hog's got one
sitting out there. They took the the hook off of it, but that that was one of those trucks. So, I don't know what they did with that hook. They just bought a brand new one. >> Um, and they we we have to be able to move them. We can't and we can't wait for somebody to come and do that. That's
they're that's just not going to work uh for what we're doing out there. >> A couple things just just in general of consent items. Um this is a pretty large capital purchase. Do we do do we want to have an amount
set where we don't go on a consent agenda or do we just want to do what we're doing? We can pull them off if we want to pull them off. I I don't know. I would have had this conversation many times. >> Yeah, I would have pulled this too because of the the the the cost. >> I think we just have to determine what that amount is so
>> Beggy knows or and I and I don't I don't know the answer to that. [clears throat and cough] But >> well, with that conversation, I'll move to approve the consent agenda. >> All right. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I.
>> I. I. >> Opposed. Motion carried. >> Madam Chair, to Dave's point, [cough and clears throat] >> excuse me. Um, I'm not a big fan of the consent agenda. I I think these type of things that come before the board and if Steve was presenting this to approve we'd have
discussion all be it so brief probably but to learn more about each department the consent agenda does us no favors in my opinion we are we are >> we're going through those [clears throat] way too fast >> and you look at our our times for our
meetings are you know we're getting down to an hour and a half long meetings to go through >> we've never had an hour and a half meeting >> well scheduling schedule their schedule, >> but it's never been an hour and a half. [laughter] >> But I'm just saying so I am more in favor of keeping things off the consent agenda than putting things on. It's my opinion.
>> I I am leaning more towards that. >> I mean certainly the regular came audits warrants um those type of things are easy to do. So anyway, my opinion. Thank you. >> And I and I just want to make one more comment. Um I would like to know in the future how
much money we have remaining in that organics grant. What what do we have left? Um cuz now we're spending >> the organics grant money is gone. It's gone. >> None left there. >> Okay. Cuz the last time Steve was here, he said there was some left, but that must not >> No.
>> So So then I Okay, that was Megan. >> Okay. Um anything else otherwise we can move on to open form. >> Thanks, Nate. [cough] And [clears throat] to remind everyone, make sure your phone's on silent. I just had to check mine again to
>> I can take it. >> Mine has rang at the worst possible moments in here. So, >> is there anybody on here that is not here to speak to the wakeboard boat ordinance?
>> You are. Okay. >> Come on up. >> What? And what was your name? Let us at 5 25590 Brandy Lake Road, Detroit Lakes. >> Welcome. >> Um, just want an update on the uh
related properties. Um, wanted to know basically I tried looking to see your where the meetings or committees were having their meetings at and so far I haven't been able to find anything on the county website. Uh so I don't know if uh that's a meeting is supposed to be
held every month, every three months or how are we proceeding with that to get >> Are you talking specifically on the blight ordinance? >> That's correct. >> I don't think I think we meet as needed. I don't think we >> Okay. Because I I I'd like to say it's been getting worse. I' we've got about
30 new uh used stacked up tires. Um, you know, and I I just don't want to see snowflies and we still sitting there doing nothing. >> Yep. Carrie, do you have a update on that blighted property? >> I do. Um, I had gotten u the Brandy
Lake. Correct. Correct. >> Um, so yes, I've had some conversations. This has been a topic at our um subcommittee and I know that the concern has been uh sent to Kyle. Um there was that issue and then also isn't there a
shared common area in on the Brandy Lake as well that >> there is I don't see a lot of junk on that right now. >> Okay. So that was also a recent concern that came. So we do have all that information. >> When I drove by it this morning I did have one parked on that commons area but
uh the main concern is the front properties. I mean it's >> and do we know what our ne what the next step is? So Kyle Kyle has the information and then what's the next step? >> I I don't know that offic sorry >> because you know I I really think my own
personal opinion is that we have laws on the book that deal with that currently. I mean there's a nuisance. I I don't see where do they have a conditional use permit for a junkyard >> and basically that's what it is. >> Do we have has Brian been consulted on
this one? um either he or somebody from his team all of you know we as we meet on the properties that are presented um we do have input from his office. >> Okay. So the county attorney has been involved. I don't know what the the next
steps will be but hopefully we keep it moving in the right direction. >> Okay. So basically got probably speak with the county attorney see where he's at. >> Well I yeah I don't know that he'll probably tell you anything. >> Okay. Um, [laughter]
>> Madam Chair, uh, Mr. Lutz, I think, um, uh, your best contact would be Kyle Vber at planning and zoning. He's kind of the head of pulling these things together, as I remember when we met last year on these. >> Yeah. And, you know, not to say anything
bad about Kyle, but in the past, I've my dealings with him has resulted in nothing happening. >> Well, >> I will. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. [clears throat] I mean, he he also only can do so much, right? I mean, so so I
think that it it maybe isn't necessarily >> that my main concern is if I can see some process that would be a helpful sign. >> But yeah. >> Yep. No, I I I hear you. So, >> okay. Yep. Thank you for coming in.
[clears throat] >> All right. Anybody else here not to speak? not about the ordinance. Otherwise, we will move on. All right. Reports and correspondence. Madam Chair, um I'll start with
Sunnyside. [clears throat] We have a um we're we are in the red right now. We are still waiting for the new rates that are supposed to take effect January 1st of 2026. With those new rates, we're anticipating the rate
increase from would would get us, you know, right about that even mark, which is which is, you know, pretty pretty good in this in this era. Um, we are also waiting for $100,000 payment plus or minus in accounts receivable from
Medicica. Um, it's it's [clears throat] just uh just, you know, they just drag their feet and it's difficult. So, they're not being real real cooperative. Um there's an there's a new statute being enfor it's not a new statute but it's
being enforced now. Um the state it's a we had to purchase a biomed electric electric electrical safety tester. Um and the fire marshall monitors this. So every this is in every nursing home. every outlet, every electrical outlet,
every electrical piece of equipment, including electric beds, um, phone chargers, computers, lights, every piece has to be tested annually. Has to be tested annually and rep and recorded that you've tested this for a short
short possible shorts or something. So, it's another requirement. I I even some a resident's charger for their phone. You have to test once a year. You have to test everything. So I mean it's just a in my opinion it's just another law and rule
that's an overreach that is just causing us more you know time to record and and I mean obviously there's some things that should be tested probably at a regular but it it in my opinion it seems like government overreach. Um,
>> madam madam chair, commissioner Nelson, just on Sunnyside, I mean, last year at this time, I mean, we were deep in the black. Those those reasons you've given have put us into the red >> last year. Our our regular, you know, our our census right now is 26, which is below our our budget. We are budgeting
at what 20 27 28. So, and then Medicare dates make those more profitable or less profitable. Um but we're balancing that with offsetting some you know hours of service. So last year we were in we were on the positive side with those old rates and then we had that big grant
money we >> employee retention >> we got a it was about 450,000 so we were profitable last year by Mary last year we were in the black by 3400,000 >> 368 or something. >> Yeah. So I mean we were had a with that was a huge reason. So with new
>> Didn't you pay off debt last year? We paid off the debt just recently now. So we have no debt. Paid off the the the loan that we had with with ourselves with the county. Um so we have no monthly debt now with the new rates with the back paying of that new rates. That should offset our our negative balance
right now. >> But you're waiting for the rates. >> Well, we Yeah, we have to be we're at the mercy of the >> Is it at capacity or? >> No, we have a capacity is what 30? >> 30, but we they don't fill that one. Yeah, we're usually usually close. We're
at capacity at times. We're at capacity cash flow, but again, we are one of the few small nursing homes in the state [clears throat] that are that are doing this well and we are a usually a five-star, you know, amazing facility out there. We have really good reports.
Um, we're also going through some audits from from different agencies. Uh the centers for the CMS I don't even they're doing an a couple um PB PBJ audit that's payroll audit and the IRS had some
questions that I think Carrie's been aware that so they had some staff time they're they're auditing the staff time to make sure everything's paid well um I mean paid appropriately through for the payroll
um exclusions and stuff. So, um had Lakeland mental health um Lakeland mental health had a really good really good report. So um there's a 7% we are at 7% pro or profit margin at at Lakeland
Health and one thing our request that Lakeland made to us I think we all I think I shared that with you um our human services has found some duplication of services um that we could so we're requesting to look at that and maybe not have to pay that that
increase. Um I wasn't informed of this. It sure would have been nice to have that information prior to going to the board meeting. Um, so I could have been informed rather than hearing it at the board meeting that our human services has done this. And then I question >> our human services, >> our human services did this and I'm the
board member, vice chair of the meeting and I wasn't aware of this until um I was at the meeting. So it' be nice to know that information prior to going to a board meeting. Um, I think that's a lack of communication from from our human services to the board members that sit on that. I certainly would assume
that uh Phil would want to hear about a change in in procedure at at at Prairie Lakes if he's going to the board meeting instead of hearing about it there. So, >> um that was a little bit I was a little disappointed in that. >> Um but hopefully we can save some money by them finding that. So,
congratulations on looking at that and finding that. Um I'm going to question have we been paying double all for quite a while then. So, >> I guess I'm not sure what you're talking about. So, >> well, I'm not either because I wasn't informed of it. So there you go. Um
>> we'll find out next week. >> Yeah. Um and then I I drove by and and this is for NRM probably. I drove by the middle Corman public access and you you can't get a browner grass than that was so the irrigation has not been working. And so
I'm I'm was going to ask um how are we how are we maintaining some of our our properties and when we have a shortcoming now of staff, but that is not that was not good. That was a that was not in good shape. And I was disappointed to see that because it's a
highly used especially in this heat. Um it should be kept better than that. >> Does it have irrigation on it? >> No. And the pump was set up. It was in the water. I went and looked, but >> it wasn't. It hadn't been run so for some time because the grass it's not
good. So anyway, we'll have to >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Nelson, was that an STS? Did they take care of that last year? I mean, we've had some turnover and sure that was a in the past that was a Klay County STS would come over and do that part of that project. So, I'm not sure how we where we are.
We're gonna have to figure out, but we have a part-time employee that >> manages some of the care on that. Obviously, we didn't we might have skipped the beat on irrigating that >> or the timer's off or something, but um it's not it's not good.
>> Yep. Um I think that's it. >> I I'll go next. I had the only meeting I had was a dancing sky meeting and we went through we're in the process of uh grant reviews but with the dancing sky
grants money to organizations that um offer services to older Americans there 60 plus people in Becker County or and not just Becker County but in the 17 county region of Dancing Sky. Uh so anyway I my first time ever reviewing
grants so I learned a lot. I learned a lot about what I don't know. So, I had to figure [clears throat] out all of that information, too. So, it took a long It was a long process the other day learning how to go through those and what they mean and all this stuff. So, >> it was good.
>> All right. Oh, one thing to mention on Sunnyside to Dave, too, um August 13th at 11 or 5, we're having a a family resident picnic. So, if anyone wants to stop out there and um it was a huge success last year. >> So, that's the 13th at 11 or 5.
All right, Phil. >> All right. Um, I at Prairie Lakes on the July 22nd. Um, just so you know, Prairie Lakes, for those of you out there, Prairie Lakes is our incinerator over in PUM. We're in joint agreement with five four other counties. We burn about half
our garbage over at Prairie Lakes. Um, one thing we've been dealing with is the the ash. Um, and this kind of overlays into highway as well, but uh, we used about 5,300 ton of our ash in in our roadway. Um, we've only got about eight
or nine years of capacity left, um, in our ash landfill. Um, so by using that ash, uh, we we extended the life of our ash landfill about 6 months. So, we're trying to get all the counties to to uh
get in and use some of this ash in their road beds as they're reclaiming the roads. Uh so, we did it this year and it we we had some issues with it. Uh we got to traum the material better. We've got to get more more chunks of stuff out of there. And the truck loading um the trucks got stuck when we were loading
the material. I don't think our guys thought of, you know, how how it was how we're going to get trucks turned around there. So, but those things can be fixed. Um, Ottertale County uh got a grant uh uh I think about $7 million, but there's going to be a $14 million
dollar project for their transfer station, upgrade their transfer station. Part of that is building an ash facility. So, we talked about this at Prairie Lakes and we're going to form a subcommittee off of our joint powers uh just so that everybody knows what's
going on. Um, and we'll meet when we have to when big deals uh when when something important comes up. Just so everybody's on the same page, what part of that money is going to Ottertale County for their transfer station and what part is for the ash facility? Um,
uh, one one thing uh, over in in PUM, Ottertale Power is is our power company over there. And uh uh we we budget increases every year, but this this last year we went up uh from $490,000 to
600,000 $110,000 increase in electrical usage. Um and I don't know if we if any of our department heads have been saying that's an issue over here. Obviously, we don't use I don't think we use otter power over here. Do we in some of our places? But anyway, it really hit our budget hard. We weren't expecting that
kind of an increase. So if anybody >> What percentage was that? Well, we spent about $490,000 before, went up $110,000 to $600,000, and we hadn't budgeted that much. So, >> that's a big increase. I'm wondering if there was added usage or
>> I would ask I would ask them to do a um review and find out where that that if there's higher usage or if it just feels rate increase, >> right? But that's a I don't I've never heard that's a big rate increase. >> I know. That's why >> I would I would have them and and I'm
sure your your we are >> administrators looking into the rate usage compared to the year before and and if there's a draw that's being >> maybe someone's hacked into your account and [laughter] >> I hope not. Yeah. Um just I just want to make sure that we didn't get those
surprise in in this county from our electrical sources. I haven't heard anything but I just thought that was interesting on our meeting. my Ottertale pony counter or the Ottertale power. I have one place on Ottertale doubled >> this really. >> I thought there was a mistake >> is I have wild rice over at the other
one and it's doubled. >> Well, that's that's somewhat confirmation then that >> Well, I don't know. I've never seen it that high before, but it's always been lower. It's always been my lowest electric bill has been. what um and you have to make sure you're I mean if it's a small facility just increasing your
monthly rate charge would make a big difference but if you know cuz I had a Lake Region has increased their their rate their monthly base charge or um so that hits a small account bigger but your account the Prairie Lakes wouldn't shouldn't see that big deal
>> that's actually I'm glad I brought this up. I'm glad you said that because we don't have any other comparison that I know of. Like I said it came up at our last meeting and I thought that kind of stuck out. Um, we will look into it. I don't know if there's anything we can do about it. Uh, I hope there is a mistake, but uh anyway. All right. Highway uh uh
we did a project update. Uh 39 and 40 are pretty much complete. They might have some shouldering left to do. Uh Westlake Drive is under construction. We all probably see that. Um I think everything is on, as we heard, is on on schedule. Um one thing came up in
highway. um our lake park site. Uh we have a a structure that holds a couple plow trucks over there and it's in need of well we need a new building over there. So that's something that uh we've been discussing and and maybe on the well we're talking about it right now. That's something that may be coming. Um
and then on the agenda we talked about some preliminary work, some gravel work on 120. We'll talk about that here. I'm sure Jim will be here. Um went to the emergency management meeting. Um, and Carrie, maybe you can report on that a little bit more. It seemed like we had
about $300,000 worth of uh >> reimbursement >> reimbursements that we could get paid. I I thought it'd be a lot more than that. That isn't damage. I mean, there's a lot more damage, but reimburseable costs, which I was really hoping to see that and hope for hope to stay on top of that. I thought it'd be more than that,
actually. >> Yeah. Well, we learned at that meeting. I have that on my report cuz I attended also. But we learned at that meeting of what could actually be reimbursed and there's four different C categories and that category A. Yep. Which is the or B, I'm sorry, which is the emergency
protective measures. You know, that's really like that day of and and making sure that everybody's safe and out of there. You know, we learned we can only use um overtime for the sheriff's
department. So, and no wages or no um employees that are salary, we can't get any reimbursement for those wages. So, um >> lots of exclusions and you only reimburse 75% of your cost. So, >> yep. You know, you declare an emergency
and you're expecting relief and it's >> jaded. It's not spent. Carrie spent how many hours did you if we went to have the storm? You probably got 100 hours in there just storm related stuff. You're salary employee, but >> you know that's stuff you could have
been spent doing something else. That's time you would have been spent. So, I don't know. Yep. I learned something. Anyway, >> yeah. The other thing going off of that a little bit too is um we also learned that we won't be reimbursed for any abatements that we do. So, I think we
really need to as we're moving forward with those abatements, really need to look at what that definition, you know, as as Barry has said, what what are we going to abate? Is it if they're have everything, you know, fixed that year, is that something we abate? Is that eligible for abatement? I don't know.
But I think we really need to to um because we won't be reimbursed for any of those abatements. And the other thing we learned is no um volunteer organization for wages will be um reimburse reimburseed. We can reimburse for the equipment that was
used. Like I believe the the fire department I don't know if they were there. I think they were at the meeting. >> They were initially >> Yeah. You know they they can get reimbursed for their equipment that was used but because they're a volunteer organization they won't get reimbured for any of their time.
>> How about how about Wild Rice? Are they eligible for any? >> Yep. They I believe the utilities is a separate >> separate category. >> Category. >> Okay. >> Yep. That's category F. So they they >> Another shout out to Wild Rice cuz they were out there and they they were they
had everything out there. It was amazing watching those guys get power back to those people. >> They were working like crazy. >> The other thing that they made very clear too is that the the emergency assistant is not for property owners because that's what they have their insurance for. So, um it really is more
for those agencies, whether it's a government agency, utility, company, those that are out there. Um they're are the ones that will get um some reimbursement. So, >> I thought interesting, too. Here's here's the checklist of all the things.
Everything is on here, every device, and they have a a price that you get reimbursed for. Well, >> these prices are from 1980 almost. I mean, so with >> and you get 75% of that >> 75% of a a price that isn't legitimate
in today's world. So, I mean, it's going to amount to less than we thought all along. That's for for reimbursement. So, um Okay. Uh the other thing I I drove down to St. Cloud yesterday uh for a magic uh committee
meeting. magic is Minnesota uh agency uh Minnesota Association of Governments investing in counties. Um our daily uh we have some money there and our daily uh return uh is about 3.6% uh liquid daily. Uh Mary, we should
probably talk a little bit about they got some terms and some CDs. We can talk about that. We don't have to do it, but we should at least address it. see if we can squeeze some more basis [clears throat] a few more basis points out of out of uh our money that isn't quite used yet. [clears throat] Um so we we have we have money that comes in when
you pay your taxes two times a year we get a huge influx of money. Well, it isn't all spent right away. So we invest it over time until we need it. And this is one way we can uh get some money back uh for for the taxpayers in Becker
County and all the counties 80 of the 87 counties in Minnesota use it. So, um, last thing is just a future appointment, uh, airport, uh, and it's going to be for, uh, uh, uh, Sherbrooks. Uh, Dave, I talked to him yesterday. Uh, he's been on for 20 years. Uh, so there's going to
be an appointment, uh, that we'll have to appoint, uh, in October when his term is up. So, >> anything else? >> That's all I got. >> Richard, >> I just had Highway with Phil and he's covered that. Um the only other one I have um other than the meeting was just
uh talk about the fair. Guys, were none of you there? >> Huh? >> Did you serve by an ice cream? >> Yes, >> I was there. >> Yes, I did. Um so I just wanted to give a shout out to the Jim Griffin and Judy Fank Judy Fankano for being the Becker
County Outstanding Seniors. Um Barry and I were there um serving pie and ice cream. Um it was it was actually a very good turnout. the I think it was probably the best turnout since I've been a commissioner >> for >> for the senior program. >> Oh, >> for the pie ice cream.
>> I thought >> I mean you have many more years. I mean, Barry, you maybe had a better turnout. >> The the people getting pie and ice cream wasn't that many. I mean, there it wasn't a huge crowd. >> I thought they were going, >> but at the senior program, there was quite a few people there. >> There's a lot of people two years ago that >> Yeah, the se the program was well
attended. I think partially because uh the all the candidates for auditor treasurer and the sheriff and and um your position were allowed to speak. So there was some nice there was a nice time to get to know some of the candidates. >> Yep. >> Um but that >> um the senior line the senior line for
pie and ice cream wasn't that long. It didn't take us very long at all. So >> um >> how much pie was left over after >> Well, >> wasn't much, was there? >> Yes, there was I mean they have trays and trays of pie for sale at the 4 building. So there's it's ongoing. It's not just
>> not just for us. It's for sale and then we use it. So >> um >> but it was a nice program. It was nice to um thanks to all the elected officials and the candidates that came to help serve. All the auditor treasurer candidates I believe came to help serve. Um both sheriff candidates were there.
Um Rob Coopek was there and Paulie were both there. So it [clears throat] was a nice nice turnout to to have them there. And and just one more thing, M sure, about the fair. The fair board, just a shout out to them, they work tirelessly, >> put many, many hours in to make sure the fair runs smoothly. And
>> and now they're they're doing all I mean, they're they're they're there at 6:00 in the morning pick put taking gar putting picking up garbage, dumping it, and then they're there till dark, you know, doing all their other things. So they they work they do a lot of work and and they put on a great fair in Becker County. We have one of the best fairs
probably in the area, in the state, maybe too. And and a shout out to our own Linda Pin. >> Yes. >> Um I think this did I did I am Am I correct? Her 50th. >> It was her 50th fair. >> Her 50th fair. So shout out >> as an extension employee. >> Shout out to Linda and her and we expect
another 50 and then she can retire. >> Um the only other thing that I wanted to to give a shout out was to the Becker County Youth Livestock Auction. I attended that and that's one always been since I've been a commissioner one of my favorite parts of the fair is to go and
watch all the youth uh display their hard work and their many hours that they spent with their their animals. Um again this year they raised uh they believe I we didn't get the final count but they believe over $100,000 um for that the the youth and that all goes either back
to the youth or to the 4 youth council. So, um I think overall it was another very successful year at the fair. >> A nice article about Ally Kelly if you haven't read that. Um it's talks about her 12 years in in 4 and and she has really really excelled in showing I
think her her favorite is pigs right now. So y >> and she's going to SDSU to take up >> um some line of egg >> aggra business I think it was business. >> Yeah. >> So that was all I had. Anything else for reports and correspondence?
Otherwise, we can move on to appointments. So, we have the opioid settlement review committee. I think at the meeting, our last meeting, we discussed to have a commissioner on that.
>> Erica, are you still >> Yep. I said I would be on that. >> Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to appoint Erica. >> I'll second. >> All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. I >> opposed. >> Motion carried. The other >> Erica could a second. The commissioner
could show up for that, right? And just sit in on that. >> Yeah, Madam Chair, we should probably indicate in our motions and approval that um this a predium and uh any other any other commissioner is available for >> Yeah. >> If if you can't make it to
>> if that's acceptable. >> Yep. >> But if you just wanted to sit in, we could have two commissioners there because I' I'd sat in on a few of those. >> Yep. We I mean the two the meetings for the advisory council, you know, where we go and we get the updates. Yes. The I
mean I think the review um committee I'm not sure. I mean I I don't know like how often they meet or >> what they meet, but I mean we can >> work on it. You're the That's fine. That's fine. >> And I don't know if there's any possible way to do this, but when we get that information brought forward to us,
there's all we have is a we don't really have anything except a number and a doesn't really doesn't state what it is, who it is, what they do. I mean, it'd be nice to have more information. >> I think I think if we wanted to do that, we'd have to have and the board wanted to be informed, we'd have to attend
those meetings in and have to advertise them, but they'd be a closed meeting because I think that information is not public. >> It's not public until >> Could we have a that was my next question. Could we have a closed session to look at those? >> Yes, I think you could, but I think that's something Carrie would work out. >> Yeah, if we feel like we need to. Yep.
>> Yeah. Um the only other thing for appointments that I know it's not on the agenda, but um I've I am on the rack committee and I have not been very good about attending. So I have talked to Dave to see if he wants to replace me on the rack committee. I don't know if we
need a motion. >> I think that's between you you and him right now. Okay. If that's >> and we can change it after the first of the year. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That's all I have. Um, Madame Chair, I just wanted to um advise you I did have a communication from Brian
McDonald. >> Oh, yep. >> Um, the question was whether or not he'd be available if there were questions when we do talk about the Verizon tower and he did indicate he has court at 10. So, I don't know how you want to manage that. >> So, maybe we should do the Verizon Tower before. >> You have five minutes. So, >> yeah,
>> we can't start until >> you're five. No, you you can because it's not a public hearing, but >> it says on our agenda. >> I wouldn't I wouldn't. Yes, I would take the Verizon. You got >> Yeah, let's do the Let's do the Verizon. Um, what is his name?
>> Marcus. >> Jammarcus, I believe. >> Jammarcus. Let's have him. >> Oh, Marcus. His legal name is Yeah, he's he's listed on their Marcus. >> All right, Mr. Williams, are you there
to have a conver Oh, there we go. >> All right. So, Madam Chair, if I may um start, as many of you know, I've had um some communication with Mr. Williams who's online and um I was approached u
asking and we had uh I know I involved Mary as well as Steve in some of the conversations as well. This is involving our Verizon uh tower and um we were approached uh asking to modify our current contract that we have with
Verizon and they gave a couple of options which were shared with the board previously as well as some language changes to a perpetual easement. So that's where um I had uh conversations at this level and at committee level at different points
and um we the board advised that they would like to remain with the current contract and um when I presented that information they uh Verizon was asking for a counter offer um once I presented that we'd like to stay and and I was
informed that that is not an option to stay with the current contract. So that's where we are. That's why Mr. Williams is here in case this board has additional questions. >> And this contract is two years old, right? Two >> signed in 24. >> And how long of a contract was it?
>> Is it five years, Mary? >> Yeah. >> Five year with recurring fiveyear con. >> Correct. >> Four renewals. >> It's a 25 contract recur, but it it automatically re renews every five years. I believe there's also a 90-day out.
>> Yeah, there's a 90-day out. Yes. [snorts] >> All right, Mr. Williams. >> Yes. >> Um, so can you tell us a little bit more about why um we are here two years later to
renegotiate the contract? >> Yes. So, um this is just coming down from uh my legal team. Um I'm just the middle person on this. just more so of your landlord advocate. Uh so basically what's going on is the wireless industry
um is just evolving from relying solely on groundbased cell towers to more of a hybrid network. Uh so basically um LEO satellites. So um low earth orbit or uh we also jumping over to small cells but more so in rural areas we are
implementing um LEO satellites. So very similar to a company uh by the name of Starlink that um AT&T and T-Mobile has partnered with uh we are doing our own thing which is called AS Space Mobile and it's just basically
um our goal here is to eliminate cell dead zones by turning uh satellites into cell towers. And that's what our our whole goal is. And what we're doing is presenting our landlords with two options. Basically, the first option is
a lumpsum payment. Um, so I think that uh what Miss Carrie was speaking about. Uh the lumpsum payment option uh basically basically allows our landlords to kind of cash out at the highest value of the site. Um and these funds come from our funding partners. They don't come from Verizon itself. Um so allows
us to allow you guys to cash out the highest value of the site. Um and then the second form is more so lease restructuring option. So basically saying if you guys don't want to pursue the lump sum payment option or kind of go back and forth with that um what
we're just basically stating that if you know hey if you're willing to roll the dice with us long term and you know stay betting that the site will be here long term uh we would just need to adjust the uh the rent uh so that way the existence of this site can continue. Uh just kind
of basically everything. So, so I have a a couple questions slashconerns maybe. We just approved two towers I believe in was it our June meeting? >> Kyle >> June May or June meeting? We approved
two and we're potentially going to be approving one today. Um so that's three towers now in our county that you're now saying you're going away from. So, I'm a little confused at how why we are
continuing to get these applications for towers, but now you're saying they're going away, so you want to pay us less. >> So, our goal is not to have towers go away. Um, our our goal is obviously to remain. However, um, if we're, you know,
remaining, we just want to make it make uh, financial sense. Um, so I'm not, you know, stating that, hey, you know, our goal is to shy away from all of these macro sites and jump over to small cells and, you know, LEO satellites. That would be physically impossible. We still
need some. Um, however, we don't need as many as we once did before. >> But you're >> building more. >> Building more in a very small area. I mean the these three towers are all within a
10 mile radius. Two of them for sure are within a 10 milei radius. Um one one other comment that I just wanted to make that um we you know we we have talked to other counties that are in similar situations maybe have a tower on their county land and what [clears throat] we are hearing feedback from them is
they're getting an increase in their contract. So, why are we getting a decrease? >> So, I I wouldn't know about uh anyone else's lease as far as getting an increase. Um, one thing I do know is Verizon rarely gives increases,
especially when they're trying to trying to shy away from uh sites. Now, I don't know if that was a Verizon site or AT&T. I don't know what carrier it was, but uh you know, we do have different goals and and and metrics and financial obligations that we kind of have to
align with all of our sites. So, uh I'm not sure why they're getting an increase. Um it could be um you know, a project coming up um in the next year. You know, that that site's become very very valuable. Uh not saying that your site is is not valuable. Obviously, it
is, but um there, you know, it's different goals, different metrics. Um I'm not sure why they're getting an increase, but my goal here is to see how I can uh retain this site uh with this, you know, specific contract. Anybody else have any questions?
>> Well, I haven't heard [clears throat] anything different. I don't know why why we're here. >> Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, I don't know why we're here either. >> The other I guess the other explanation I wanted is one of the other changes to the contract um was a perpetual easement
which was one of the things that we um disagreed with. So what what is the what is the reason for the perpetual easement? >> So that was for uh I'm sorry to cut you off that that was for the uh first
option as far as the lumpsum payment option. Uh so there were two options lease restructuring and also the uh perpetual easement going towards the lumpsum payment option. Um now we say perpetual easement however um it only
the lumpsum option only aligns with the lease and basically meaning that um if there's no use for the site um let's say let's say if you guys do pursue pursue the lump sum option if a year or two later there's no use for the site itself
um there is a uh period to where we have the chance to try to replace that carrier uh within 3 years and obviously if we can't then it gets termin the lease gets terminated. So it is up to perpetual. Um I know a lot of our landlords have uh questions when they
see the word perpetual. I mean obviously means you know forever but it only aligns with the the current lease. >> So it means forever but only >> Yeah. It means forever but it only aligns with lease. [clears throat] >> Yeah. So our our goal um um our funding
partners goal is to obviously to you know put the word perpetual to try to um you know lock in you know um their asset obviously something that they're fronting money for. Um however there are a lot just like your specifically there are a lot of outs um as far as annual
termination clauses and things of that nature. Um same thing with the perpetual easement. There are um outs in that as well but obviously overall it is a perpetual easement. Yes. So I guess what we are struggling with
is understanding what the advantage is of us taking a lower amount on our contract and signing up for a perpetual easement.
>> So um for the first option for the perpetual easement the advantage is basically unlock well locking in on future uncertainty. So basically stating that hey uh let's say Verizon decides that you know they don't need the tower for for any reason whether that's the
end of this year whether that's next year or you know however that aligns according to the annual termination clause in the lease. um you guys are able to, you know, cash out shy under 100 grand uh for a tower that's in in
jeopardy or that's you know currently being flagged um as far as it it existence. Um so that is the advantage of the perpetual easement just basically locking in uh future uncertainty and obviously helping to mitigate uh risk as far as the the tower. Uh the second
option is as far as taking a lower rent is extending the life of this lease long term. Uh so when we do an amendment, if we were, you know, obviously pursue that route, we tried to do an amendment for an extra 20 years. So the lease wouldn't
end uh when the current contract is, it would be extended for an additional 20 years. And if we say we want to continue with our current contract, which is what we have said, you know, you said that that's not an option. Can you explain why that's not an option?
>> Yes. So, I did present that to the legal team. Um, and what they came back u at was usually what happens is uh if we can't reach some sort of deal with uh any of our landlords, not just, you know, your sites, you know, anyone. Um what the legal team does is, you know,
kind of point out, hey, there are termination languages in the lease. um it gets sent over to our retention department. Uh what happens is we'll have to issue a decline letter. The decline letter just basically states that you know obviously couldn't reach a mutual agreement. Uh the terms of the
lease stage is not affected until either a the lease runs out or two we decide to uh terminate the lease and look for another tower. Uh what I can say is my in my experience once the decline letter is sent out and um this site is sent over to our retention department they do
start looking for uh to to relocate. Um but nothing is affected in your lease until we decide to do so. >> So to re relocate to build a new tower >> uh yeah so either relocate cost effective >> so I'm not saying to like build a new
tower but like usually um in specific area they'll try to relocate to another tower. I wouldn't say build another tower because it would be really expensive. >> Well, honestly, I'm a little more confused at this conversation than when we started. >> Yeah, I sounds like we shouldn't have
built a tower. We shouldn't build any towers cuz you're they don't want them. I don't know. >> Let me I Hey, I can agree. Um you I definitely can agree with you there. Obviously, Verizon is building towers or leases and then later on backing out. Um, I I do do feel like Verizon kind of
do what they need in that specific moment and then later on down the line they're like, "Hey, well, let's kind of claw back on a lot of this stuff." You know, um, I understand your position. I just work here. [laughter] [clears throat]
>> Well, wishes of the board, >> keep saying. >> Well, if we if we want to if we want to change the lease, I think there should be a change fee in there. So, we should uh we can off we can for a $40,000 one-time payment, we can reduce the the
annual payment. >> That's our counter. But I think we'll have to have Carrie review a contract. But I I mean, I'm not I don't understand why we would reduce our fee because they are liable for the tower. If they
abandon the tower, they have to remove the tower from the from the property. >> I see Brian's on here. Brian, Brian, do you have any [snorts] thoughts or feedback? >> I mean, it's up to the board. It seems like a policy call to me. Um
>> Okay. >> Uh Carrie, I I again don't have, you know, this just popped up last minute. I don't have the numbers in front of me on what the what the cost what our current lease is per month to and what they're asking to have it reduced.
>> What is it? Can you just state it for everyone? So, >> the [clears throat] lumpsum fee, the >> No, not the lumpsum. The monthly fee, >> new rent amount, $500. >> $2,000 a year, wasn't it? Difference. >> Yeah, it was it was very low. >> $2,000 a year. We're We're sitting here >> debating whether we should accept it. I
don't I don't understand why Verizon on all the fees and charges they put on every single phone, why they'd argue on a $2,000 a year decrease for Becker County. It's it it's ridiculous. So, I just say it to move on it. We're we're
declining and um for $2,000 a year, if you can find a cheaper tower than put your stuff on, then find it and remove the one that's there because now we'll have our land back. >> And they'll have to restore it. Take the tower down and restore it to the original. >> Yeah, >> I agree with Barry.
>> Yeah, I do, too. So, Madam Chair, if that's the wishes of the board and that's what I would uh um relay. He's heard it, but I would certainly >> we've already acted on it. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I think we acted on it at our last meeting. >> So, I just uh will maintain that position and that is what I had
indicated before. So, >> all right. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for coming, Mr. Williams. >> Sorry, we didn't >> And I understand I was just at Verizon store the other day and they said kind of the same thing. Well, we're we don't we don't know corporate. So,
>> hey, I work for Verizon, but I have AT&T service. SO, [laughter] >> WELL, [laughter] >> thank you. It's all it's all what best fits. So, have a have a good day. Thanks for your time. [laughter] >> All right.
Now we will move on to the Pickerrell Lake seeking a water surface ordinance. Um so I have a list of people here that want to speak. Um I do ask that those that come up to speak
whether you're speaking for it or against it to limit your time because we do have a lot of people that want to speak. Um, and even though um Barry likes longer meetings, >> we we want to get out of here before.
>> Madam Chair, I I do want to >> I do want to stress too though that >> I want to understand what we're what we're looking we're not making decisions today whether we think it should or shouldn't go, but we're we're making a decision whether we have a public meeting on this, a public discussion.
Correct. I think I think what we're deciding is what what does the county want to >> if we want to move forward. >> Correct. Okay. And and by agreeing to move forward, the next first step would be setting a public hearing.
>> I think the other option I think Carrie stressed to we we can if we do want to move forward, we can set a less restrictive limit on that if we decide that's something we would like to do. >> Correct. >> Yep. >> Okay.
Um, please state your name and address, please. >> I'm Sandy Stalmo and I live at 21162 Northeast Picker Lake Drive. Uh, the majority of residents of Picker Lake are seeking an ordinance to prohibit wake enhancement wake surfing on the lake.
Uh, our lake is very small, very narrow, which is our our primary concern. There are only two areas that are wider than 1500 ft. The majority of the lake is quite narrow. Um, oh, thank you. Uh, the University of
Minnesota study was a well-designed study, meaning that it it was designed to avoid bias and uh and it relied only on observable facts. And it found that enhanced wakes need over 500 ft to dissipate to the same level of as a
speedboat. Currently, there are no laws restricting how close to shore a wakeboat can operate. Um some of the boats on our lake have tried to stay in the middle and they're trying to be good neighbors about it and others
um we get others from other lakes that that prefer to come to Pickerl because we are long and narrow and there's only then north south traffic. There's no cross traffic to get in the way. We're we're a deeper lake in a valley so there's less wind affecting. So it's
it's been um the idea that coming to pickerl to wake surf has been spread among amongst the community and we are seeing people from other lakes using it for that purpose. Um but our main concern uh bringing us to you today are the
safety hazards that this situation presents. Even when a wakeboat tries to stay in the middle of the lake, all other watercraft are within that 500 ft impact zone. There is no place to escape. There are numerous numerous
people that are reporting to me um safety incidences that that have happened um myself included um on our pontoon. A wakeboat had passed far enough away that I really hadn't noticed it. I was
watching the shoreline and whatnot. and I stood up to get something off the table and the waves hit our pontoon, knocked me literally off my feet and I landed right on my hip. Those waves are very powerful. Um many reports of of
people having to leave the lake because they their pontoons are getting swamped with water. Um, kids are trying to swim along the shoreline and parents have to pull them out of the water because it's just unsafe uh to be to be swimming
there. Um, an adult has reported just standing by her dock. The waves hit her and knocked her onto the rocks. Even when the wakeboats are in the middle of the lake, this is the impact of these waves. So many people are are having to
leave the lake because of the enjoyment of one wakebo out there and people have to get off the lake for their own safety. Um people are going to start getting seriously hurt. Our lake is so narrow that there is no way to escape
it. It's a it's a it's a a huge problem for us. paddle boats, paddle boards, kayakers. Um, everybody is struggling. Um, and and the enjoyment of of the one person on the lake with a wakeboat
shouldn't be paramount to the the enjoyment of everybody else that lives there and the safety of everybody else that lives there. You know, environmental impacts are also a concern with the narrower parts of our lake. There's a lot of erosion happening. Um, and people are are are
quite upset. The children are scared. The adults are scared for the kids. The adults are scared for themselves. Um, and there's numerous reports I say that that that have come in. If you look on the back of that packet I provided you, there are maps of our lake that are laid
out. This first one being um the area that is 500 ft from shore. The second map is just the small area where there's 500 feet from shore plus a 200 foot wake [clears throat] sport zone
which is what is being uh recommended uh by the U of M. And those two small areas that allow enough space are not big enough for a a wakeboat to operate in. they would be every time they turn or or turn around to go back the other
direction, they're they're outside of that zone. Um, so there is no safe place for any of the rest of us to enjoy our lake. There's others now that want to also just present their own testimonials as
to the problems that they have experienced. Um we have collected a petition of we were able to contact 70% of our residents and of those 70% 100% signed
the petition. Um it's it's a huge problem for us. >> When you say residents, do you are you referring to those that live on the lake or those in your township? Okay. >> On the lake. Yeah. Um, I'd ask others to come up and and uh give their testimonials as to what
they've experienced. >> All right. I will, um, I'm just going to name the list off here once we get through here. And, um, if there's anybody left that wants to speak, um, just let me know. Um,
I just ask that if you try to limit your time so we can get through everybody. um and keep it to the point and um >> repeat. >> Don't repeat. Thank you, Phil. >> Okay, the first one on the list is and
I'm sorry if I um mispronounce anybody's last name, but Joe >> Luigi >> Luigi [clears throat] >> that that was what Phil said, so it was Phil's mispronouncement, not mine. [laughter]
>> Blame me. Um, my name is Joel Lawaji. Um, I've had a place on Pickle for about 16 years now. Around eight years ago, my wife and I built our dream home on Pickrol Lake. We love Pickrol Lake. We now have a situation where we're feeling so much
pressure and harassment from a few me members of our lake association that we've put our place up for sale and decided to move to a different lake. Um certain certain members of the Picker Picker Lake Association have created an environment where a few people feel that
it is okay to harass us when we use our surf boat. Our kids have been called losers. Pontoons have purposely pulled very close in front of us to cut us off and people have cussed and yelled at us. I'll admit my kids are not perfect. They can cause problems. They're teenagers. I
get it. Um I'm not looking for a pity party here by all means. Um, what I'm looking for is to help other people on the lake not experience this and also other people in lakes all throughout Becker County not experience the same
thing. And to do that, we need you guys to not support this issue because it's just going to create a storm of these type of things happening throughout Becker County. Um, you guys on the board have a big decision to make and you need to base
your decision off of facts. Um, and I feel the facts that a couple of the facts that you've been given in the agenda packet have been manipulated and and misconstrued. Um, line seven in the water surface use worksheet states that 70% of the lakes's
residents were contacted about a surf um surf boat ban and that 100% signed that petition. Um, this is false. I have emails from several people on the lake that I can give to you guys that were contacted and
they strictly said they would not sign the petition and they're not they're not on this list. Um, also one of the people on this email who refused to sign the petition is on the board um from the Pickle Lake Association board. So, I just I wonder how he was not able to be
contacted and have his opinion heard on this so-called petition. Um, also certain members of the lake association have circulated a document that was made to look like it was from the Minnesota DNR and this was titled
lakes in Becker County that meet the DNR criteria. This was sent out to our entire lake on an email thread. Um, basically saying that the DNR had a list of lakes that did not meet the criteria to have a wake boat on them. Um,
I contacted Adam Block who is with the M Minnesota DNR and he handles the surface water use restrictions. He told me he was not aware of this list and asked me to send him the list. Um, I forwarded this list to him. He said he has had nothing to do with the list. He said he
has forwarded it in the meantime to his lieutenant who has also um sent it to the DNR commissioners who are going to look into try to figure out who made this list and ask them to stop using it with the DNR's name on it um to make it look like it's an official DNR document.
And my problem with this list is it was sent out to everyone on our lake in a way that made it look like the DNR is telling or supporting people that this lake should not have wake on. being used to persuade public opinion. Basically,
um the DNR's only stance on wakeboats right now is that they stay 200 feet from shore. Um the facts are there are multiple studies out there on wakeboats and their effect on lakes. Um the most extreme study against wakeboats is by the
University of Minnesota um states that wake boats should stay 500 ft from shore and in depths 200 feet or deeper. Picker Lake is three miles long and there's a onem stretch that has a width of 1,00 to,500 feet and is deeper than 20 feet.
Um, Picker Lake also has a rocky shoreline that handles waves and erosion better than sandy shorelines. I understand both sides. There was a time in my life when I did not like waves. I had young kids I wanted to fish with. Um, now I like waves. These are
phases of life. Um, Picker Lake is a public body of water and it be should be there for everyone to share and enjoy regardless of what stage of life a family is in. No resident of any lake should be banned from doing something that they love because other people
don't like it. We've got a threemile lake. We use one mile of it for wake surfing. There's two other miles there for everyone to enjoy. >> [snorts] >> I feel that instead of a ban, we need more communication, education, respect, and cooperation between members of a
lake. I've offered to meet with the association to discuss how we can all be better stewards on the water, and nobody wants to talk about that. All they want to talk about is a ban. Um, basically, people need to like give
wakeboats their their space to do their things. And people [clears throat] with wakeboards need to be more courteous. If they see a boatload of pontoons coming, they need to hold up, let them pass, and it can all work on a lake like this. Um, if you guys vote yes to supporting
this issue, I just want you to think about the storm it can bring to Becker County of problems in lakes and more people trying to push this agenda. Um there'll be problems from enforcement to more hate and harassment amongst people on a lake. In my opinion, this type of
enforcement needs to be decided and regulated at a state level, just like jet ski enforcement was done way back when jet skis came out and were an issue. Um, again, at the end of the day, everyone on the lake needs to be more educated and have more respect to their
neighbors and knowing on the lake that everyone goes through different phases of life and has different enjoyments on the water. And that's all I've got. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you guys for your time. I've got to take off and get to work. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Joe.
>> All right. Next up, we have John Lean. Please come forward and state your name and address. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> I have two real uh issues.
>> Please state your name and address. >> John Lean, uh 21330 Northeast Picker Lake Drive. Uh the two issues that I I really are concerned about is erosion. Uh Picker Lake sitting in the valley like it does. We have very little wave
issue from north east to west or back or backwards. So a lot of times when the weather's bad, windy on other lakes, we we get a lot of halt in boats. And I'll tell you, the the erosion is terrible. Uh on our particular spot, I
used to be able to drive down a nice little gentle slope onto the water onto the lake in in the winter time across the lake and and took a couple miles off my commute. Now there's a 4ft drop and you could stand there and watch those waves. The waves were hot enough where they washed my glasses right off the
dock and you see [clears throat] the material that's coming from the from the bank is all mud. And now there's about 8 in of mud on on the on the on the bottom of the lake right where the dock and stuff sits.
Um [snorts] and the other issue that I really have is is safety. My wife and I were fishing close to the island two years ago and there were wake boats working out past us. And I usually try to be pretty careful with that and try to take on
those wakes with the with the bow of the boat and for some reason I just lost track of it. And I saw the wave come and I told you man this isn't going to be pretty. Hang on. And it came this close to coming over the gunnel over boat 16T 6t wide and it damn near got swamped.
So, I you know, it it's it's a real safety issue and you know, I I don't think that the Lake Association is trying to pick on anybody. All we want to do is make this thing safe for everybody that's out there. Um [clears throat] the the I guess I guess that's all I
have to say. There is a there is a another issue may or may not be related to wake boats. There's a cable that runs across the lake on the bottom. Wake boat kicks off so much power to the bottom of the lake that it stirs up everything down there. Within the last two weeks,
that cable is floated to the top for the second time. One of the the residents there contacted Arvig and it is their cable and they told him to push it back down. I can't imagine it. >> Any questions for me? >> Thank you.
>> I don't Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Next up, we have Sue Borstad. >> Gotcha. Thank you. Um, Sherry Sherry Miller. >> Gotcha. Thank you, Jim. Same.
>> Feel free to comment. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Leoo. Mark. My name is Mark Leoo. I live on 21801 Northwest Picker Lake Road and I am a resident obviously of Picker Lake. I'm on the board as well and I'm not going
to talk to you about any particular issue because I haven't had a safety issue happen to me. I live on a very narrow part of the lake so I don't get the wake boat. But I [clears throat] have talked to various other members and I know it's a real issue. Um my biggest
concern, well not my biggest, one of the concerns I have is the environmental impact to the lake. Pickro Lake to me has always been a large aquarium. There is no inlet. There is no outlet. Anything that is disturbed up from the
bottom of the lake, the it's up to the lake itself to cleanse itself. And most of our lakes around our area do have inlets and outlets that help with the cleansing process. So Picker Lake is a 333 acre lake.
It does have rock. It is not a It's not lined in rip wrap. There is a lot of rock, but it's not lined in rip wrap. So there is a lot of erosion that I've seen since I've been there. So again, this I don't want to repeat
things. Um, I think uh Joe was right. There is a storm. I think the storm is here. It already exists and you talk to a lot of just not Picker Lake, but a lot of lake owners around this area, you'll see that there is a
problem and we're just trying to protect what is happening the at Pickrol Lake before it gets out of hand. So that's my statement. Thank you. >> Thanks, Mark. >> Thanks, Mark. >> All right, next up we have Nancy
Johnson. >> Please say your name and your address. [clears throat] >> Hi, I'm Nancy Johnson, 20950 32nd Avenue. And um my husband Lauren Johnson and I, we live on Picarro Lake. We are on the east side of the lake and we live
in the widest section of the lake. Um, every summer we have our grandchildren come from the east coast and they are ages 8 to 12 and they're [clears throat] with us for several weeks and we swim every day. And one of the things my granddaughters will say they and they're
all aware of what the wakeboat does because we ski, we're on the lake swimming and they'll say, "The wakeboat's out there. Let's go jump the waves." and they'll run down and jump the waves. And you know those waves, they are coming from mostly the west
side all the way across the lake. And we're not like a pelican lake where they have a lot of area for those waves to dissipate. Those waves are coming all the way across. And like my granddaughter said one time, "Grandma, it's like being on the ocean. We're
getting waves." So that's it. All right. Thank you. All right. Next, we have Sandy, but you already spoke. [clears throat] Um, Nicole, if you'd >> like, I mean, all right, Nicole. Leoo.
>> Good morning. I'm Nicole Leoo and I live at 21801 Northwest Pickrol Lake Road. Um, and we have lived on the lake for the last eight years, but been frequent visitors of the lake for 20 plus years. And so,
you know, um we moved out there because um it is just a um quiet um uh just pristine lake and um kind people and um I think that that remains today. And so
hearing um Joe's comments about being harassed and things like that um I am not aware of at all and I'm saddened to hear that um because I definitely don't think that that's a representation of most people on the lake. Um our concerns
are genuinely about the environmental impact and about the safety. Um it's just a matter of time you guys before something irreversible happens um already happening to the lake itself as
far as our fishing habitat, our overall water quality um what the um churning up of that phosphorus is doing. um that's just a reality and you can call the University of Minnesota study extreme or
whatever justifications you want to use to try to support a lesser reputable study. But the fact is that they spent five years doing a very independent thorough study
and it cannot be debunked by a wake by a boating manufacturing industry for their benefit. Um, you have the science. I don't need to rehash that. You have the recommendations. you understand the
process that's been set out um by the DNR and why we are here having to go through this. You are the gatekeepers. Um and we're asking that you open that gate and let us mo move this process
forward to the authority that might be able to take some take some meaningful action to protect our lake and our people. I don't want to repeat any I have all of the shared concerns that other people have expressed but also just want to
make sure to point out that Picker Lake does not belong to us. Does not belong to any single person or family in this room. It is a public water and we have many many families fishermen that come out
and enjoy our lake. We have people that haul kayaks to Picarro Lake because of the beautiful shoreline and the calm waters. And I have personally witnessed numerous times and experienced myself in
my kayak in our huge pontoon all different thing. And when the wakeboats when a wakeboat is out, I shouldn't say the wakeboats cuz you you know it's my experience is I've only had one at a time. That's all it takes you guys. And
everybody is boogieing to the shore. Swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders. A guy and his kid fishing in their little 14t lawn boat, which should be an ideal boat for our lake, cannot cannot handle
the waves. It's it's just sheerely dangerous. And so I'm not just here to advocate for people that live on the lake. This is a community issue and someone is gonna get hurt. Um, and I'm
not sure, you know, if it's going to be on our lake or another small lake in Becker County, but it's going to be in one of your districts. And then what are you going to say about it? So, I just ask you to consider supporting this so that we can um move
it up the chain um as the process calls for. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Next up, we have Bill Tesh. >> State your name and your address, please. >> Uh, good morning. I'm Bill Tesh. Um, we
I live at 31 31604 Southwest Pickro Lake Road. um lived there for seven years and uh love the lake, love the neighbors, and I just want to state I' I have nothing at all against wakeboats themselves or people who use them.
Someday my grandkids will be teenagers and I'll probably have to spring for a wakebo at that time, too. Um but I'll operate it on a different lake. Um, I've been It's simply impossible to deconlict with the wakeboats when they're out there and you're out there trying to
enjoy the lake yourself. It's just not possible to deconlict because of the narrow layout of the lake. I can share a couple of incidents. Last summer, there were several of us in our pontoons, five or six pontoons where
which we had safely um tied together with bumpers in between. an awake boat came by and started to operate around us. Um, probably probably within 200 feet. Um, and the the pontoons started rocking and
slamming into each other. And I I I imagined what would have happened if someone had had their hand over the side of one of those 3,000 lb pontoons or a leg or a head. Um, while those while that mayhem was happening, we flagged
down the guy and we were able to get him to go operate on the other side of the lake where whoever was enjoying that part of the lake would have had to deal with that mayhem. So, I mean, it's just would not have been there would have been no place [clears throat] on the
lake where that wakeboat could have operated safely alongside of those other boats. Um, another time we were out with our grandkids, ages 0 to four, uh, on a lily pad and of course they're all wearing life vests, but still a little afraid of
the water. And, uh, wakeboat comes along and we're we we had a couple of them get knocked off the lily pad and uh, and and several of them were we were trying to keep on the lily pad. and and uh again that there would have been no place we
could have gone where that would have not been the case where that would not have been happening. We had some friends here the other weekend. I was telling them, you know, this is uh actually it was my my nephew. Um I was explaining the situation. He's like, "Oh, you old stodgy people, you know, you just need
to get with the times." So, we're out on the water a little while later and my nephew says, "Yeah, I think I kind of see what you're talking about here." And then later that day, we pulled our pontoon out, went over to Cotton, um, and then over to DL to enjoy the bigger
lakes. And he said, "Oh, now I get it. Yeah, I see the wakebo over there, but we can just be over here." And it all it's Yeah, okay. I get it now. I get you guys have a real issue on this lake. So, look, this is not about good neighbors and bad neighbors. Everybody wants to be a good neighbor.
um the the peop I I fully trust that the people who use wakeboats do not intend any harm. I'm sure they do not. But the fact is that they do harm to the people who wish to enjoy the lake and to and to the natural environment which you've
heard testimony about today. So I urge you to allow this to move forward for the safety and and common enjoyment of a of a wonderful natural resource in our county. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right, last on the list we have Chris.
>> I thought I was just in. >> Gotcha. >> Yep. If you if you I was going to ask if there's anybody else that did not sign up that wants to come on up and state your name and address, please.
I'm Amy Swani and my cabin is 20904 32nd Avenue. Um, I've been coming to pick for 62 years. I'm third generation and now we have the
fourth generation. [clears throat] And I feel bad for this guy. I've done my research on wakeboats and I bet he didn't even know because the people that sell wakeboats, they don't inform people what can happen with the boats.
So, I feel bad and I feel bad if anybody's bullying him and they should stop. The fourth generation was up over Fourth of July weekend with me and the baby's not even 11 months. We were off that lake so fast. It was scary. And you
know, I'm hoping these kids are going to take over. And now they're thinking twice. And I don't want to lose a family home that my grandfather built in 1961 with some of the people you guys don't even know. And this is a lake of love. And the
neighbors have always been gracious and kind and helped one another. And I'm afraid that that's going to go by the wayside if we don't, you know, either stop the wake boats, make rules around
ours, something just to calm the waters and, [clears throat] you know, keep it friendly and yeah, we don't need those big boats on the lake. >> So that's all I have. >> Thank you.
Do you want to check online? >> Samantha Galloway, 21108 Northeast Picker Lake Drive. I just have three comments. Um, I have a 26-year-old daughter, 28-year-old son-in-law, live in Chaza, own a wakeboat. They operate on Lake Minnetonka. They do not bring
their lake or their boat to pick. They know that that's not the place for them. So, as younger kids, they've been informed. Um, secondly, just a few weeks ago, our pontoon was swamped, shoved everything, just washed everything off
the back end. Um, and thirdly, I'm the one who in the last four days has watched a cable rise as I've paddle boarded. It runs from um our hands and our um kind of where our properties meet
under the lake across to the access and it's become where we've had to pull up our motor. Whether or not I don't know what caused it. Um I just got a message from my husband and Arvig has attached blocks on it and has sunk it back to the
bottom of the lake. So, I don't know what has caused that, but it became extremely unsafe where you could reach it with a paddle. So, that's all I have. >> All right. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> I am not on Picker Lake. My name is
Chuck Becker. I live on Big Sugar Bush Lake. My address is 32655 Sugar Creek Road. um here to support the folks on pickroll and maybe clear up a couple of things. Uh the gentleman that owns a wakeboat uh
says that this analysis by the DNR according to Captain Adam Block apparently doesn't exist. I can assure you that it does. In fact, I will send Adam the DNR Excel spreadsheet that I received directly from Jason Mecc of the DNR. All the DNR did was an additional
analysis of lakes in Minnesota. Using this criteria, inclusive criteria, a minimum wake sport zone of 50 acres, at least 500 ft from shore and at least 20 ft in depth. They analyze, 1235 lakes in Minnesota.
You might say [clears throat] only 1,235 were the land of 10,000 lakes, right? Or the land of small lakes, folks. Uh they didn't analyze lakes in the boundary waters. They didn't analyze lakes in the Tamarack refuge. Uh those are controlled differently. But out of those, 1235
lakes, uh 723 of those lakes did not meet that criteria. 512 did. So this information does exist. Is it a regulation? Is it a rule? No. It's just information, good
information that we can all use. Additionally, uh the gentleman with the wakeboat said the University of Minnesota studies are extreme. Uh and Barry, back on December second, you kind of echoed that when that gentleman was
here before. The U of M's laboratory is a worldrenowned research facility that's been in existence for over 85 years. Uh their studies aren't extreme. They are based upon solid science. If these folks
were going to do something that was not correct, they'd be re risking [clears throat] their own reputations, their own jobs, and the reputation of the University of Minnesota. They're not going to do that. So, it is something to pay attention to. Are there other studies that say something less than 200
ft or 500 ft, I should say, uh something that doesn't even mention depth? Absolutely. Those studies are financed by the boating industry. There are many other studies beyond just the University of Minnesota have come up with virtually the same conclusions and sometimes
greater distance from shore, sometimes greater depth than the U of M. So I would call the U of M study if anything conservative in what the conclusions have been as far as injuries safety. U the folks have relayed what goes on typically in a small lake with wakeboats
out there. We've had serious injuries in Minnesota up to including broken backs. We've had near misses where folks have had to jump out of tand of kayaks and out of fishing boats before the wakeboat hit them. So, this is something that is real.
We have other lakes in this county uh that studied by the U of M uh or I should say by the DNR, excuse me, uh identified 24 lakes in Becker County that didn't meet that criteria. Are you going to be approached by 24 lakes? No,
you're not. Because some of those lakes have upwards of 30 wakeboats and folks in that lake, unlike Pickerroll, are probably not going to push against those 30 wakebo owners. Uh I've spoken to you about Big Sugar Bush. Fox Lake has
talked to you. Um Steve Corbin was here last fall. Uh is there going to be an onslaught of lakes looking for help? I don't think so. But these lakes need protection. The people using lakes need protection. And you guys, you're the only source we have
right now. Should we have statewide rules? Absolutely. I'd love to see it. Then you guys wouldn't have to be in the middle of this. But you guys are the only option folks have right now. Preferably a county ordinance uh supported would be great because then,
as Sheriff Glander has said, he would enforce that. Enforcement's not a big deal in this case because if the wake surfing is prohibited, it's pretty darn easy to tell if somebody's wake surfing. [clears throat] Pretty easy to tell. So, I certainly
support what the folks from Pickroll are telling you today. I would hope that you would consider this carefully. Um, Barry, you got a boat, a wakeboat. You're on a big lake, big corrant, right? You're not on a little lake. And you know about wake boats. I think you know they don't belong on small,
shallow, narrow lakes. and these lakes in this county are a huge economic driver for this county. So, please consider that as well as you talk about this subject. Thank you. >> Thanks, Doug.
>> Anybody else? >> Morning. >> My name Renquist. The address is 3160 Southwest Picker Lake Lane. Um my family bought property on Picker Lake in 1959. We've enjoyed that lake. I first from
1964. So I have a firsthand account of uh the conditions, how they've changed over the years. Things remained relatively um pristine and wonderful my whole life until in the late 80s and 90s when um the building really started on
the lake and things changed environmentally also um with the weather. But I've seen the lake go from a very um clean, pristine lake where we would see hundreds of thousands of spot tail shiners go by the dock for minutes from top column of water to the bottom.
And we don't see any of that um anymore. My biggest concern is the um sedimentation that's happening in the lake, the vegetative growth that's taking over. Um you it's only going to be a matter of time. And that used to be a hard bottom lake that we could walk on
and enjoy. It's now got um muck and sediment that's building up on the bottom all the way, you know, to to close to shore, 2 to 3 ft from shore. Something that's never been seen. The change has been um I would say in the
last seven years, um it's much much faster than it was ever before that. And I'm just seeing all this um proliferation of the vegetation in the lake. We're going to be um losing so
much more of the usable water space on that lake. And the more vegetation we get um in there, it's going to be increasing the water temperature even more. When these boats go by, I see the water getting stirred up and it's releasing all that um nutrients in and
feeding those weeds. Um, I didn't realize how dangerous they were safety-wise for all the other people. But I'm just saying from a firsthand perspective, the last seven years has been um, quite a change in this lake. And I think it's incumbent
upon us to do something about it now before this is too late. I mean, we have responsibilities here and it's something that um, there's a time and a place mostly a place for these boats. No doubt about it. um they look like they're a lot of fun
and if I was about 40 years younger I'd probably enjoy them a lot more. Um but Picker Lake unfortunately is not one of those places and I think it's our responsibility um for the lake and our future and the state. We don't want to become the lake the state with 10,000
swamps. You know uh we want to keep our lakes as as well as we can now. So, I'd appreciate anything um that you can do to um help us win this cause. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Anybody else in the room to speak? Come on up. >> I'll be very short. Um [clears throat] my name is Marty Johnson. I'm 32256 Southwest Pickle Lake Road. Um, I've been a resident on the
lake for 28 years. Um, as somebody stated, there is no outlet or inlet on the lake. Over the time I've lived out there, I've seen the water go up and down 9 ft. So, when the water goes up, yes, you get
some erosion. All boats will erode the shore. Um, I'm not in favor of banning um, wake boats, but the petition that is in front of you says wake surfing.
They're not saying wake boats. So, do they are we still going to allow wake boats, but just not wake surfing so you can tube behind these big boats? What are they asking for? That's it. >> Thank you.
Can I speak again? >> Um, >> yeah, if you make it very brief. >> Very brief. >> You can someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the action that is being contemplated is to not allow the filling of the ballast. I mean a a wake boat
without the ballast field is just a skiboat and it's to not to allow the the that particular usage. >> That that is what is in the proposed ordinance that was presented to us. Yes. >> Yep. All right. Anybody else in the room?
Anybody else online [clears throat] or anybody online that wants to speak? [snorts] Okay, then we will I'm not going to close testimony because it's not a public hearing. But
what is the wishes of the board? Well, Madam Chair, I [clears throat] don't think it's going to come to a surprise to anyone in this room that I do not support this. Um I've said all along all all along I would support a 300 ft setback for for that activity
from shoreline for from shore. Um even by the university's own projection this lake is suitable for surfing. It has the blue area in there at a 500 foot. Um, [clears throat] I think 500 feet um is is
I'm not going to say too much, but I I think if a person was going to look at this, I think a 300t starting point would be something to analyze on these lakes. And I think it was mentioned a few times today that these lakes are changing. The boats are bigger. Not only
just not surf boats, but pontoons. How many people thought you'd see triple motor triple 500 motors on pontoons? If you're aware, there was an accident on a river, not uh I think in Michigan. Um my neighbor has a 600 horsepower pon motor
on a pontoon um my next door. Uh so boats are bigger, waves are bigger. I think if you're worried about waves, I think you have to I mean I don't think you can single out one boat, one activity. I think you have to look at all boats over 20 ft. Then if if that's
your goal is to is to stop this everything on the lake from eroding and and causing waves, then you have to set a limit on the boat size and the motor size. I and I don't think you'd have much support. It's easy to single out one group that's not what you do. Let's get rid of that group and I'll have less
activity on the lake and and they do produce larger waves and everything. But I'm on a lake and I sp paid specific attention to waves coming in and there was boats going by with tubes on with water skiing and those boats when they
come close to my shore produce big waves. Also, if a surf boat is kept out farther, those waves I mean we want to I think we all acknowledge those waves are bigger. If those are kept out farther, those waves will be less when they get to shore. So,
my opinion is, and I think I've stated this, I would support a 300 foot >> uh setback for the activity of surfing on on lakes. That's what I would support. I would not support a ban on on lakes that have a suitable area for it.
>> If if that that would be the case, how would that be enforced? just just out of >> Well, there's a there's a current law for jet skis that have to be 150. It would be the same as that. Your your enforcement agents would look at the distance and they have binoculars. They
have rangefinders. They have equipment that could help them with that determination. Now, again, these gentlemen or and ladies that are doing the enforcement aren't looking to write tickets. They're looking to make the day enjoyable for everyone. So, I'm sure they would have contact in it.
>> Mhm. >> And and probably try to keep them off that or or make them aware. Um, so that's that's my the boats are all getting bigger and as if and when I went out on fishing when I
was a kid, too. You when there were other boats, you have to you have to know your what your surroundings are. Um, and I remember seeing back when I was a kid that when a big boat went by us, you have to know it that you and you pony you go right into that wave even I mean waves have always been big on those
bigger boats. These were back in the day when we had I was in the 14t London. I mean you you're aware of that. Um, also when I was a kid we had we didn't have lily pads, we had inner tubes and I spent every day I could and every time a wave came in that was the best part of the day. We wanted waves coming in when
you're a kid to to play on the waves. Um, now as an adult when I sit on the shore and and I don't like waves coming in, but it doesn't hurt me. I just don't I'd prefer it be nice, calm, and beautiful scenery. So, it is a there is a conflict. There's no question in the
busiest times of day. Again, this is a this issue if there was a statewide I think they would look at a setback similar to what we're what I would consider now as a as the petition is before us. It's just a no. I mean, I
don't I don't know if we can amend it or want want to amend it at this time, but I I'm not supporting it. So, that's my opinion. >> I'll give you my opinion. I I'm [clears throat] not supporting a ban. I don't think it's the right thing. Um I
do support having guidelines. Let's say it's let's say it's 300 feet. I I I don't believe though that that is our I believe the state needs to come and set a distance. Um we can we can we can we can have you know we can do something
like that if we if the sport feels like that's the thing to do and I would support that. Um but I'm not I'm not in favor of banning wake boats on lakes that in this in this stud, whatever study this was that determined that this is there's
area enough in this lake to do that. So, >> Phil or Richard, anything to add? >> Well, I I'm I see both sides of this and it's hard for me. I I think the state should do something about this. And as for the guy who trusts the University of
Minnesota, they're full of baloney. I deal with them all the time. And they are. I do septic systems and they're calling water table 30 ft above the lake in the sand and they don't know what they're talking about. So I I'm not saying that this study is wrong, but I
have no faith in them at all. And I I don't know I do know the right thing would be the state to handle this. It should be a statewide thing. The DNR, that's their job. I'm not a DNR specialist. Um I have I'm on a small
lake. We don't have any wake boats, but we got jet skis and we got big speedboats and they're out there just, you know, disturbing everything. You know, the the waves and everything. And that's not my thing, but it is their
thing. And so, although I'm not pleased with it, like Barry says, I'm not pleased with them, but they're young people and I'm old and and they're having fun and that's that's their enjoyment of the lake. Now, I don't want anything dangerous happening
to anybody. That's a concern for me. But I think that the state of Minnesota is is really should be the leader on this because there's a big economic impact here and there's people have spent a lot of money for these boats and we have a dealership
now. And so it's it's hard. It's a it's a hard one for me and I don't I don't know where I'm at on it to tell you the truth. Um, I I I'm going to have I'm I'm trying to learn more about this and I'm getting
different stories from both sides. So, >> yeah, I think I I agree. I I see both sides. I I do think that um it should this ideally ideally if we want to talk ideally, it would it should come from
the state. you know, this it should be um if not an ordinance, at least better guidance. Um, however, I'm not a lake person. I live in Lake Country, but I am not a lake person. I have never dealt with um wakeboats. Um, but I'm I would
be in support of whatever the board of um You said this should come from the state. Well, the state would defer to the DNR probably on this and the DNR is telling >> Well, right, but but they're putting it back on us directly. So, everybody says they want it to come from the state, but
the state has said we want you to go first. So, you you're just you don't like what I what I mean by it should come from the state is legislatively. >> Okay. >> Like they're there they should think the DNR does not have support from the legislation to to mandate to make
these law changes. Mhm. >> Correct. >> Well, Madam Chair, as far as this uh looks now, as far as the ban and as I'm reading the uh surface water use uh for the ban, I would not support this as it is right here either.
So, our option is to make a motion to move forward with this in submitting it to the DNR setting a public hearing. Um, our
motion, I mean, we could also choose to do nothing. Um or if there is support of the board to consider instead of a ban doing I don't remember what you say 300 ft from shore
>> 100 yards 300 ft um you know when when refer you know it's unfortunate that we're put in this position we don't have paid experts to to tell us what's exactly right what's exactly wrong um I will tell you my opinion of this you know quick opinion
of the study that you did. It's privately funded by lake lake and river coalition too. So it is and you can you can say it's unbiased but um I don't know any study that's unbiased. Every study has a has a point of view. This study that you know the the if you watch
the video of the tur the the cameras underwater well that was that was in a bottom of a lake. I don't even that had such loose sediment on the bottom that you couldn't even put the camera on the bottom of that because it was all mud and muck. They had to elevate the camera
to get that because it was that's how loose that sediment was. So, and that was I completely agree that's a terrible place to have any boat traffic on that on that lake because it's it's it's churning up so much. So, but then you have to look at what are other boats doing to that. We're singling out one
usage. Our I I followed on Sally Lake Sally over the fourth. There was a triton pontoon that went across it. If you're familiar with it, there's a sandbar area that splits the two parts of the lake. And it was about I don't know how deep we were, but that thing was churning up completely brown churn
just like just like the video showed. And I'm like, every boat does this. Every boat does this. So, we're not experts in this. and and I don't think many people in the room are experts in this, but um without without that knowledge to ban
something in my opinion would be an overstep of our of what we know and what we should be doing. Again, I think every surf boat operator there that's reasonable would say a 100 yards away from a morbo boat or a um shoreline is reasonable and they should be should be
that distance. But I would prefer I guess I would prefer having it not altering theirs and if they're not satisfied with that then with 100 100 or 300 ft. Um I think that should come from the group and say hey we'll we we we
know that the board doesn't support banning but could we ask for a 300 foot? So I would I would choose to do nothing till you have a re uh application stating that.
So, so you're our direction to the Pickerl Lake Association is >> if you're if you would like >> at this at this point the board does not support a ban but would consider a 300 foot
from shore >> or more or more >> or more mored >> mored bullets >> mored boats. I would I would I would think that and I don't know I would like to do a little research on excluding un uninhabited
islands. So there's a I think an island on that point. >> Again, I'm not familiar with it, but I would I would like to review that prior to I mean I just want to state that. I would like to know that >> what what options there are considering
that. Madam Chair, if if Commissioner Nelson, if that does move forward here, um I I I worry about the sheriff and and you know, how is that going to be enforced? And I think we need to address that with whatever that looks like uh and get >> his statement on what that looks like
because I can see somebody, you know, taking video and then what what are you going to are you going to have some way to have to measure if it's how how many feet it is out and uh you know, was it in whatever mode they say? Um, >> and I think part of it too, and this is what I've learned from talking with
Chuck and and other people, is um part of the hope is that when there is an ordinance in place that people will just follow it, right? Like that that you will have signage, you will how that signage would be paid for. I would
assume that that would have to, you know, fall back on the county. >> Well, it's public access. That'd be a DNR access there that the DNR would have to I mean this this would be >> so the state owned by the DNR >> so the state would so so but anyways that would be the hope is that just by
virtue of having an ordinance that people it would be a deterrent. >> Well the city has an ordinance or has signs down on the city beach here that says no no no dogs on the beach and they don't enforce that. >> Um I've asked them I said why why do you have the sign up then if you're not
going to enforce it? I um >> I think that yeah, that's >> that that that that's another conversation. But that's why we got to get the sheriff in here. And if this does go, h how what's that going to look like? Because >> if it you know, someone's going to call the sheriff and said, "Hey, your county >> did this ordinance, why aren't you
enforcing it?" Um so we we have we only have two >> boats, right? We have four boats. We have four. Well, we have four boats, but how but how many boats are typically out on a >> three three two or three? >> Two to three.
>> Well, let's not get into that. That one is now we we already >> But they can't expect to be on Pickrol Lake every weekend either, just because we have an orange. >> I think they should be out on Pickerl every weekend. [laughter] >> I wouldn't mind that a bit. >> You don't want them on your You can put
your feet out. >> I I think I think this ordinance would be enforced just like any other law or ordinance. I mean, >> currently jet skis have to be 150 ft away from docks. Um, >> and in the past we've had 150 foot no zones because of of high water.
>> I think it's, you know, if there's someone that's continually problem, law enforcement has to get involved. And usually that's just a nice nudging and people comply. I'm not one of those sometimes that likes a nice nudging either. But um >> so if I'm I will I will say what I
believe I'm hearing is the direction of the board and you guys can correct me if I'm wrong is the direction of the board is right now we are not in support of a ban. If the lake association would want to consider a 300 foot do they have to
start over? >> This is the first step. >> This is the first step. if you wanted to direct that. I mean, we could or Kyle and or myself could look at this ordinance and and look at a modification and bring it forward again. But it's
it's entirely up to the board. >> And I think just because we're considering a 300 foot ban, you know, we would have to go through the public notice, public feedback, doesn't necessarily mean that there is going to
be an ordinance. Um, but it would be something that we would >> Sorry, I was just gonna add one in my conversations with the DNR. I just want to make sure that the board understands as well. >> If the board so chooses to um move this
forward to the DNR, it's not a given that the DNR would agree to this application at that at that phase. They could also deny this. So I and then it would not come back for us to do um in you know the ordinance piece of this. So
>> sure I I just >> Do we know if they've done that before? >> I don't I don't know the answer. Um I well I do know a partial um I know that things have been considered and things have been denied for uh uh the application not being uh fully submitted
and missing information. >> Yeah. And just to clarify what um Carrie and I met with Captain Adam Block, I believe it was last Thursday. You're not amending anything. You're you're adopting this. So what he told us is if we if you were to push this
forward, their name will be scrubbed from this application and you will replace their name. their name Picker Lake Association >> and you are adopting all of that information as your own >> because we are the only authorized and uh government unit that can move this
forward. >> So I my I guess my question is so you we are not supporting this document at this time. So we would we would not support it or we would a or do we have the ability to amend anything at this time? you according to them. Absolutely. Because you again, you're going to be
submitting it with as Becker County, not as the life association. >> Okay. >> So, you can at any time you can submit. >> Well, I'm just I'm just curious. It it doesn't have to go back. It doesn't have to go back. >> No, but we are not supporting what's being proposed. So, right,
>> I don't know that we want to start doctoring it at this time during the board meeting in my opinion. And I just wanted to make it clear to you that if you're adopting their language and you're supporting that language, then essentially you're making it your own is the way he
>> it's a Becker County ordinance, not a picker lake. >> Well, and he said he's like a Becker County ordinance on Picker Lake, >> right? Yes. >> They would not accept it in its current form. It would have to that lake association name would have to be scrubbed and all of that. That's exact terminology he used. >> Correct.
Well, I it's my opinion that we are not moving forward with this and if we want to I would say if it wants if the lake associate wants to consider a lesser proposal that coordinate with Kyle or Carrie and and bring that forward.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Any other wishes of the board regarding this? Okay. >> Thank you everybody for Thank you everybody for coming and voicing your Do >> you want to take a break since people may >> Yeah, let's take a break. We're going to
take a 5m minute break. 10 17. to move on. >> We have Carrie's report. Did you have anything additional to add >> to the report? No, I don't. To your report?
>> Nope. I'll just give you some updates that I'm aware of. >> Um, just for the board, and I may have said this before, we do have our first negotiation scheduled. I believe it's for August 25th. So, um, happy day. We get to start that process and we're hoping
>> it is. It is. So, it'll be our initial meeting. So, I'm hoping that, um, we'll have continued, uh, scheduling. Um, I just wanted to remind the board that the policy conference is coming up next month. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, you were. Oh, I I read your mind.
Um, so it is coming up in September and it's being Yes, it's being so if you'd like to attend this year, I don't know if all of you know but it's I believe in the past it was in Alexandria, isn't it? >> There's always been an Arowwood and they switched venues >> and they did and I wanted to make mention of that. It's in Baiji San,
right? >> Yes. So hopefully better better accommodations for that >> and the dates and and >> 16th to [clears throat] the 18th. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> For my birthday. Yeah, the 16th is uh I think the registration and then later I think it's the uh rural uh counties
meeting. >> Oh, yep. >> In addition, uh last week I was at a uh Minnesota Association of uh county administrators and uh the the topics were interesting and there's some um of
the same topics that we've done some discussion here at our county as well. There's discussion on uh the AI and the use of that around that um as well as there was a a lot of discussion around counties and how they manage um data
[clears throat] requests because the data requests are coming in and it's some of those are generated by AI and how to manage that and internally here through departments we've had some uh demonstrations by different vendors. So
my hope is that um we can look at how how are we managing that and to ensure that we're responding according to the statute like we should. >> I I wish the state or the federal government would start would address the
mass requests. I mean that are just made out made to harass and to >> the data request. >> Yes. >> Because it's I mean it's significant time and and energy. >> It is and it's Yes. It's getting to be more and more and more [clears throat] >> and I'm see and I'm seeing that and then
so we are again you know with some of the bigger departments keeping in mind if there's a data request I'll just use human services for sake of example if there's uh you know a big data request there there's a lot of time that goes into redaction and what's public and
what's private information what can be released and depending on who the requester is etc. So and again even through administration there's been and the auditor treasurer's office I know I'm and highway is another big one
so the it's getting to be a lot so um more to come on that issue um I was on a call last week I was invited as a stakeholder for Mstate they are looking at the branding of Mstate campus here
and the wad Ina and Morehead as well >> and Fergus >> Fergus I don't recall it may may have been >> six of them. >> Yeah. So those are the main ones that we talked about. Anyway, so Mate is looking at they were just getting input um from
those stakeholders on the branding of that college system and there was a lot of u there was I don't know 10 or less people on that call and so input was provided and you know from my comment or
my standpoint I focus more on our local community college or local two-year college here and just really indicated that we as a you know as as a community really are just kind of
holding to see what the sustainability of this particular college is and and what what what is the future of of the whole entire system. [clears throat] So I did not get any uh further answers. Um but of course it's always a a concern
for our community if if this college is no longer you know doing the educational components and there were you know members there from you know area business etc. So um it was an interesting interesting uh conversation. So I would expect that more more to come
you know on that. Um any questions for me? That's really all I have. The main focus Well I said it was all and I had one more thing. Um so my main focus has been on budgets. We have been uh working internally here meeting with departments going through you know the budget
process that we have gone through. We meet again tomorrow internally. Um so I uh mentioned yesterday in the in the finance meeting that I'll be looking it's been a bit difficult to kind of hone in on a a work session date here in August for the board. I know you're all
happy about that to come in and talk [laughter] about budgets, but um there are some some you know we're looking at different options uh of ideas and things that the board has has provided to me. So I think it would be wise to look at a
work session with regards to some of those issues as well as you know capital budgeting that we and I have updated lists from facilities that I I want the board to take a look at. In addition to the work session, I think a good topic
would be for um Cody to come in to talk about um h housing and potentially if we bring that in house what that may look like as well. So the board can ask questions and have that opportunity as well. So now I'm done. That's all I have.
>> Um I do think that we should have a work session sooner rather than later just given, you know, we have to set our preliminary levy next month already. >> Correct. >> Um so I do think a work session prior to
that would be good. So I don't I mean we don't have to do it now but >> correct. So I'll just work on uh uh some potential dates and I'll schedule you all for at least eight hours and I know you'll continue with that [laughter]
>> and you can put your half hour [clears throat] in with >> correct. >> Okay. >> So you'll get back to us on that or >> I will I was already looking at some dates prior to this. So, I will um yeah, I was really trying to hone in on an
offboard week, but we may run out of time and how things other things are scheduled. So, >> Tuesdays the rest of the month are I'm out of town both Tuesdays. >> Yeah, I know there's some there's conflict. >> We have to set the levy on the 15th. So, we should we could do the 8th
for a work session. >> September. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I just I was thinking more August just because of in case. Mhm. >> But anyway, uh more to come on that. I just wanted to alert you to that.
>> Okay, next up we have Mary. [snorts] >> Good morning, commissioners. One week from today is primary election day. Just want to assure that everyone the state and county elections are secure.
We have early voting going on currently 8 to 4:30 at the auditor's office. Anyone with questions can call or go to the county website for more information. Once all of the results are tabulated, we're required to do a canvas, which is
a summary of the county elections within two to three days. So, we're looking for two commissioners to volunteer to attend August 13th. Um, we have said 3:00, but that's negotiable. In the second floor of the
courthouse to canvas, our results are then sent to the state for the official canvas. >> What What time did you say? >> 3:00. >> And it can't be anybody in the race. >> You cannot be on the ballot. Yes. So if
you want to pick um you can have two commissioners. Usually we pick the same commissioners for both primary and general >> which will be in November >> which would exclude the two commissioners who are on the ballot. But
that's a board decision. >> Madam Chair, I I could do it uh not at 3:00 though. I could do it a little earlier than that. >> Richard, you want it or do you want me to do it? >> You know I don't want it. [laughter] I wanted to give you the option, Richard. Um, I do we have a courthouse
committee scheduled for 10. Any way we could pair that up so it could be right after that? >> Like 11 >> 11:30. >> Will you be done with courthouse by 11? >> Yeah, I don't think there's much on the agenda at courthouse. So 11:00 would work better. >> 11:30. You're thinking
>> Well, I don't think courthouse is going to last long. No, I'm just We have to tabulate everything from the 11th and be done by the 13th >> at 11. >> At 11 11 [clears throat] o'clock or 11:30. Give me a time. I'll >> I'll do 11. I don't think our courthouse committee will last more than a half an
hour. So, I'm still in there, but >> 11:00 on the 11 a.m. Barry and I will be there. >> Yep. >> Is there any other uh city or township officials that are going to be on this one? >> Oh, well, the court administrator has to be there. The mayor of Detroit Lakes,
>> right? because there's races in those areas. Correct. >> Right. On not on this primary. Primary is just the Republicans, Democrats, and then local races. Right. The city will be in the November ballot. Schools. >> That's what I was. That's what I was asking. What other
>> That won't be till November >> because usually the city is involved when they have and >> Yep. >> They don't have >> and and depending upon which one we pull. >> Mhm. Or two >> or two. So, we need >> Do we need a motion or are we just good with the names?
>> Um, I'm I've got Nelson and Hansen 11:00 on the 13th in the second floor boardroom. >> I'll send out a reminder. >> Thank you. >> Do we need a motion for that to >> I think it would be cleaner if >> the memorandum for action. I'll make I'll make a motion to approve
>> what Mary just said. >> Commissioner Hansen and Nelson for >> second. >> Oh, I guess I'm the one that's got to >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Any further discussion? >> We have to vote. So, >> all right. [clears throat] All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Opposed.
>> Madam Chair, just to clarify, Pium, I mean, I'm I don't won't get it because I have another meeting, but Phil should get a >> I'm I'm fine. That's fine. >> But I think those are >> pdeium and my >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thanks, Mary. All right. Next up, we have >> probably have another meeting to
>> Hello, Jim. >> Good morning, commissioners. Uh, one item for you. Uh, we have a small amendment we'd like to do to our five-year plan. If you recall, uh, we set the five-year plan in
December and we choose the projects and you allow us to go to bid for those for 2026. Uh, however, we would like to add a project. So, that's why I wanted to bring this forward to you to approve that. We had scheduled work in 2027 on
County Road 20, which is paving work. Uh however, we would like to do some preliminary grading work and graveling on that road so we get a better product by doing some subgrade corrections and placing the gravel this year. We don't do it right before we pave the road and
have all those trucks and with the patuminous running over it and we just get a better project. So, we're asking approval to uh advertise for that project and amend our five-year plan. Um, estimate on this is about $250,000
and this will be funded with our smart tax. >> Madam Chair, I I don't think this is this is not a new project. This is a just a um >> we're splitting the project. >> It's escalate or it's it's making the project sooner than than it's making in
20 part of it in 26 rather than 27. I I mean one could argue that this if we would have stated that this project is a candidate for taxes it might not even be here if it would have worded right but this is just letting the public know we are >> going to do this project in 26 rather
than and start 26 rather than 27. So [clears throat] >> Jim this this is 120 right? Did you say you said 120 y >> I'll make a motion to approve 08261A. >> I will second. >> I already have a motion and a second. any further discussion
>> and just uh so it is coming out of smart uh money and I I did go back and look we're 6 months in from November we're 6 months in we're tracking $80,000 ahead of schedule where one was higher >> every month but one was higher so we're
tracking ahead so and it we have it so I think this is a good thing to do plus to set it up over the winter is is smart so thanks Jim for bringing it forward >> I did ask Jim to um maybe highlight some sign issues because We I had a complaint. There were some signs,
political signs pulled and and I talked to I think Jim can elaborate, but what I've come to the consensus is we're going to be we're mowing ditches now. And those [clears throat] signs that are not that are on the road right away in the first 10 ft, not in a mowed lawn
area, are being pulled um because we're going to be mowing, they're usually not associated with a a driveway. They're just sticking on the side of the road. So, we can mow those. And I think that's a good good if they're on the I think I talked to Jonah and he said if they're back on an approach, you know, not even
associated with the house, just a field approach that if they're back 10 to 12 feet, they're not pulling them. But um we need to mow those that first swath of road right away. So >> I know the state has been out >> is that just I just wanted Jim, do you want to clarify anything else there or? >> No, that's correct. Uh we started mowing
on Monday. So we, you know, signs in mode, you know, rightway areas know people keep their yards nice in front, they can be there, but >> if they want to put them, I understand, you know, the grass is tall, so they like to get the signs right out on the road, but we don't want to wreck our
equipment and it would destroy the signs. We pull those and we bring them back to our shop. Uh, they're back behind by the dumpsters. They will stay there for a week or two. If they're not picked up, then they're going in the garbage. Um, and just to point out, we
all know that putting any sign in the road right away is not legal. Um, we are not going if they get if the ditches are mowed and they go back, we're not necessarily going to pull them again, but they're still not legal and we could, but we're not probably looking to do that. So, >> um, just want to get our digits any
[clears throat] I think that's fair. Did the commissioner think that's a fair approach? I mean, it's >> I think that's fair. >> That's Yeah, >> Madam Chair, do we vote on one? >> None. >> Nope. All right. >> Oh, we didn't vote. No, you just started talking, Barry. >> Oh, I'm sorry. [laughter] >> We have a motion in a second. All those
in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Okay. Now, I'll reiterate what I just said, [laughter] >> Jim. Thank you, Jim. >> Thanks, Jim. >> All right. Next up, we have Tiara. >> Um, Madam Chair, could we maybe send out to all the candidates so that this is that if there are signs that they see
missing to contact [clears throat] the highway department or where they are because I don't want them to think that >> I mean, they're not destroyed. They're just taken and stored and they can come and get them and put them up somewhere else if they want. >> Tira, >> good morning. Uh, one item before you.
It's resolution 08261B. >> This is to regrade the transfer station truck driver position and compact truck driver positions from a current grade 5 to a grade six. Reasoning for this is we have had postings for the transfer
station truck driver since May 20th with only a total of two candidates. Um we had gotten an acceptance from one candidate but they then later um declined the position because the pay was not where they needed it to be. >> Did this go through um Tesla?
So there was a separate conversation with Tessa about the current market positioning of positions and transfer station was discussed at length. Um she is out of town from all of last week
until Wednesday of this week and we are running into significant issues that uh is stopping labor out there. Um so she did not she has not heard about the regarding for recruitment purposes. Um there was a
separate conversation where um she has previously stated that the com the transfer station truck drivers for their duties is not the same grade as the highway. Um she did maintain that position when we previously had spoke.
Um at that time we still had an acceptance from a candidate. They had not rescended that at that time. So we were not talking about the recruitment issues at that point. In the past, she has supported regrading positions for recruitment purposes.
>> Madam Chair Carrie, would you I I I would like to to if to move forward on this, I would like the Tessas and DDA's kind of consensus or approval of this. >> Is that something a condition for
approval if we make? I I certainly think you could say pending her uh agreement to this. I and I and I would mimic what uh Tiara said. We're you know focused on the job duties and in comparison to the highway and how we were able to recruit
similar positions. >> I mean I I just want to make sure we >> we don't want to step outside. I certainly understand that. >> Yeah. So >> madam chair with that I will approve resolution 8 261B with uh the approval of DDA
>> with recommendation >> with the recommendation of DDA be >> second. >> All right we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion on 1B? If not, all those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Next up we have
planning and zoning. Come on up, Kyle. Good morning. Have a surface water ordinance. No, I'm kidding. [laughter] Um, I have planning recommendation or planning commission recommendations from July 29th for your consideration. First being Brendan Matson and Deborah Matson
requesting a conditional use permit to operate a gunsmith business to include retail sales of used firearms. Just a note on him on this one. He did say at um his his primary focus is really going to
be on gun smithing, fixing guns, not necessarily selling, but if the opportunity arises, he would sell it. So >> his were basically if someone were to walk through the door with something that was a good deal, he would purchase it and flip it.
>> But no um no gun shooting, fire ranging on site. Um, so and it was recommendation to approve. >> So >> I'll make a motion to >> All right. Richard made a motion to approve. Do I have a second?
>> I'll second it. >> All right. Phil second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. Best here. >> Opposed. >> Motion carried. Um, second applicant, Great Plains Tower
LLC on behalf of John Paul Greaser requesting a conditional use permit for 190 foot guide tower with a 9- FFT lightning rod and accompanying equipment. Um, just a little bit of discussion on this. Um, there is a public water setback of 2,640
ft from any public water unless there is a finding that there's no practical alternative location outside of that distance. Um, this is within that half a mile of a public water. There is included in the collocation statement
basically a a sentence saying that there was no other towers that could equip or accommodate this antenna within a 2-m radius. Um, so that statement would be satisfied in my opinion. Um, the second one I want to
discuss is going back, especially after the conversation that you had this morning with potentially having to abandon a tower, um, that a financial guarantee from Great Plains be issued to Becker County for this or or a bond be
in place for the removal of this tower of 67,500 with that same caveat that we will review those bond requirements. Um I have a plan to do that next week um with the advisory committee. Uh that will be
one of the topics on that uh agenda. Um so if we could mimic what we did previously and that language is specific to this. Um >> previously we said that if we didn't review it within a year or was it two
years and then it would the bond would go away, >> right? Yeah. >> So, basically what that year did is gave us that a time frame to get something reviewed and looked at here. >> Okay. >> Um I just wanted to have that discussion again because >> it was relevant this morning. >> Yeah.
>> Um >> Okay. >> But so and then there is also um a requirement that a natural environment protection action study be um filed with our office. Those don't typically happen until after the tower's been approved
just so they're not acrewing that cost beforehand. Um so if you would entertain the I guess a similar motion would be um to concur with the addition of filing a copy of
natural environment protection act study with planning and zoning prior to the erection of the tower lighting and a financial guarantee from Great Plains LLC of $67,500 in a form of a bond to ensure funds to
remove the tower to be reviewed within one year to see how long the bond will be required. If not reviewed within a year, the requirement for bond will be eliminated. >> All right. Do we have a >> Did you say something about lighting? I don't for 190 ft the lighting
requirements. >> Says a 9 foot lightning round. >> No, light lighting. >> Oh, lighting. Sorry. >> This basically says prior to the erection of the tower and lighting. Um, but if you want to I know that that is something that you typically add as a condition. on a a lit tower would be
flashing lights. I don't know if they're standard or >> I think if you're >> Would that be required? >> You can speak to that. >> Yep. >> Under a certain height. They're not required. >> Brian Vaness, I'm um authorized agent for Great Plains Towers and John Paul Grezer. Typically, anything under 200
feet doesn't have to be lit. However, the F FAA study that was submitted, this tower will be lit because it's proximity to Detroit Lakes Airport. And I was going to ask that and make that part of the agreement that it will be a lit that lit. >> Yeah, it came to a surprise to us because usually under that typically
doesn't, but yes, we will comply with the FAA. >> We have been asking for all towers to be lit. >> Okay. >> So, >> okay. So, do we have a motion to concur with what um Kyle said with the addition of a condition to light the tower? >> I think the condition to light the tower
is in the >> most. >> Correct. In the filing there's a filing because FA required. >> Gotcha. >> All right. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Motion carried.
>> Thank you, >> Phil. I learned that from Dave because there was a tower going up and he want down in Meer and he said they're not required under a certain height and it's 200 to be lit. >> All right. Next one we have >> uh William Jacobson on behalf of Louise Ness. um request a conditional use
permit to operate a metal sales business. Just to elaborate on that, their plan is to have uh a shipping container on site south of Highway 10 near the the cemetery there on 190th. Um basically once you purchase the iron
from them, you'll be issued a one-time unique access code to this container. You can pull in there at any time and pick up your iron. It's kind of explained to us. It was >> it's kind of a I think it happens a lot down in the south, I think is what they said down in southern Minnesota or
southern United States. >> Do a lot more of it. And it's a good thing because >> right now if you need iron, you got to go to Wobbin or >> where is it at? >> And Wobbin is closing >> 190th off of >> just west of Ottoman. >> Right there at the there's a right there
by the cemetery just it's >> it's right on one one >> bordering Highway 10. >> South of 10 then. >> Yeah. >> Yep. So >> they they he did say that he had talked to the was it the feed store in Ottaban that if they needed >> elevator
>> elevator thank you that if there there was a need for large um a large load where they would have to be there that they have arranged for them to be able to load and unload at the elevator. But otherwise this really is just a 247.
>> You get a code. Yep. You go there and you go into your little box, take out what you want and you can go at any any time of the day. So, >> seemed pretty innovative. >> I didn't look at the I didn't follow this one. >> Yeah.
>> And I think the only condition that um the planning commission said was signage >> um not in the rightway >> and possible damage to the road to >> Oh, yes. Township. >> Yep. That's what it was. >> Yeah. Yeah, what I have is approve the
application with the condition the applicant works with Ottoan Township to repair the road if yes >> and when any significant damages are caused. >> So that's the recommendation. Do we have any motion or other further discussion? >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second.
>> All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carry. All right. Thanks, Kyle. >> Thank you. Good or good morning, Mr. Ericson. >> Yeah. >> Do you want to speak to us or do you
just come to visit us? >> The agenda and I got sidetracked this morning on open mic. >> Come on up. Love to hear what you have to say. >> I guess most of you know me, Dwayne Ericson. I'm your watershed appointee.
uh along with the Klay County Commissioners and I don't show myself very often so I've got some information and it's the time of the year when the levy gets set. May I? >> Yes. >> Just some information.
You know, I I've got a number one, two, three, four. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Thank you. Sorry, one short. >> I'll share it. Okay. And it
we could ask any ask questions right up front, meaning we could go through it. I apologize for the rude crudess of it. Uh but you're reading it. So ju for those of you that don't know
wild wild rice watershed um half the tax goes to the um red river wershed management district. Correct. Right. >> And half stays at the wild rice. Um unlike unlike Buffalo Red WHED which pulled out of the agreement with the the
Red River Wershed Management Board probably 15 to 20 years ago, somewhere in that range, I would assume. >> Something like that. Yeah. >> Um so all their money that's taxed in Buffalo Red goes directly to them. There's advantages and disadvantages to each. Um but just as you see here, the
RRW MB um half the money goes there and then they distribute it back for larger projects um benefiting the watershed the the whole wershed as a whole. So, just a little tidbit of history on it, but um >> well, page one is the Wild Rice
Watershed balance sheet. Page two is the Red River management balance sheet. And and they've got a lot of cash. Uh and then the farmland, I wrote in there approximately 500 acres that's that's rented out and that generates
107,000 plus in the next three years for income. And when they bought that farmland, it was highly controversial when they're buying farmland for a potential project, but right um the project wasn't approved and
>> you know it turned into kind of a mess. I think the they used the wrong money and had to pay it back and they got it straightened out anyway. So >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Nelson, so is this the wild rice wershed that meets up in a right? >> Mhm.
Good. >> But but I the page one is to show you what kind of cash balance and what kind of equity they have in real estate that's paid for. Page two is is the Red River Wershed Management Board, which like Barry [clears throat] said takes
half of the and and page we'll get to that that dollar amount here in one of the next pages, but they get half of the tax levy and they spend it how they feel and they do have a lot of cash also. And if I question about it, they would tell
me that it's designated for projects, but I don't think anything has been proved to move forward. Page three gets in more detail. You know, some history, meaning it shows you the the levy
and and it shows you the ditch tax. It shows you the half that goes to the red board and the half that goes to I call it the red board. I apologize and how it's [clears throat] divided up, you know. So, you got 13 and you got 22 and you got 25 and you got the the proposed
27 and how that money would come in. And I'm looking for a way in my opinion as a board member would like to see something that would save the taxpayers some money.
I mean, they do have a lot of cash and they get grant money. I've read it, but it's in the seven figures. I mean, there there's plenty of funding there. >> Give us a tax break if you're okay with me pushing that agenda.
>> You're you answered. You do not answer to us. So that's Well, you appointed me though. But >> well, no one else will take the job. [laughter] So, >> okay. >> And I've been doing it quite a few years and my term is up in April. Thanks for the opportunity. I don't want to do this anymore. >> You got to find a replacement [laughter]
if you quit. >> That's what everybody tells me, but nobody's listening. >> Well, then you got to stick it out. >> And I'm kind of the lone ranger a lot of times, meaning you could probably find a more effective board manager. [laughter]
>> You know what I mean? No, I I you know, you don't want a board to all be Yes. Yes. Yes. You want discussion and even if you're at the losing side, you brought concerns up that people need to hear. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And I'm it for anything when you're lowering taxes and they got this kind of
money in the bank. >> Agreed. Yeah. >> So, I'm in favor of of you trying to do that. >> Yep. >> And and keep asking questions as we go through. we get to the last page probably is where I'm going with this. And what I'm asking or what I'm sharing
is uh on the bottom of the page it says August 12th agenda item. What do we do with the $107,000 plus cash rent? And the reason I'm bringing it up and I brought it up at the last meeting and I made I put it on the agenda at the
beginning of the meeting and then when I brought it up I made a motion to take the 107,000 and subtract it from the administrative budget because if you subtract it from the administrative budget then you would have a lower levy >> and you'd be subtracting one of these
numbers you know the 27 proposed or the 26 to be determined now in August and that would be saving the taxpayers in in the district 107,000 and some change and but I didn't get a second. You see how
popular I am and and and then if I would have got a second council Elra Hansen would have said he'd have said to void it all out because it wasn't on the agenda so everybody would know about it and I respect that. So this time it's on
the agenda. This time I'll bring it up again. And I've I've talked to actually a Norman County Commissioner and a Clay County Commissioner and now I'm talking to to you guys and and whatever [snorts] you support me on
fine. But but that's on the agenda and I bring it up on behalf of of the administrative advisory I should say the advisory committee because they have asked why do we own the land? you know,
why don't we sell it? I'd vote for that, too. But, but I'm not getting anywhere. So, I tried for 100. >> The the wild rice has to still pay property tax and it still has to pay property tax on that land. >> Yeah. Being they generate income off it,
then they have to pay real estate tax on it. So you could, if you were arguing this, you could say minus the property tax if you >> 107 minus the property tax. >> Yeah. Which would be probably 10 grand. >> Yeah. 40 bucks an acre. Yeah. Probably a
little more. >> Yeah. But I just I just point out that being it's income generated. So it's not something that that you're I mean I I would agree if if it's not a project use. I think what they bought it for originally is they're trying to buy they're trying to buy land that people don't want to sell. So they're trying to
trade like land so they so they don't have to buy because farmers usually don't want to lose acreage. They're looking, you know, a farmer who owns 500 acres doesn't want to lose 200 acres because they can't go and buy it close. So they're they're saying, "Well, here's 200 acres here. Would you trade that?" So
>> yeah, it it it was purchased however many years ago, 10 plus, like Barry said, for the option to have trading material. And they did trade one partial last year on the Goosebury Marsh. It switches between Hitodall and Yulan and
that got to be retention site. I think it was 1.75 million to build that site. >> And they traded one partial with the guy to get that site. So, and that's the only partial that's been traded that I can think of since.
Yeah. >> So, are you are you asking Dwayne if we would support you asking to subtract the 107 um minus the real estate tax from the administrative budget to lower the the levy? >> Well, that's what I would like. I I had
another friend that suggested [clears throat] maybe the increase rate, which should be subtract the 26 from the 27 and you get 13,000 or a lesser amount that would be more palatable to the rest of the board members. >> Well,
>> yeah, I think whatever you can do to lower it would be >> I think you have our support in your your endeavor. Um I with nothing on the agenda we can't give you a >> a formal action you know in my opinion I
don't give formal action but um you you bring forward a reasonable request and >> Yep. >> Okay. Does anybody want to come to the next meeting? One of you [laughter] >> is on the committee. >> Um what do you say August 12th? >> Yeah. I got
>> August August 12 volunteered. [laughter] >> Well, Richard could >> and then Noah's fine, too. But I I I >> Sure. >> I I got a Norman County Commissioner and and a and a Clint County Commission that that it's going to be there.
>> I'm not saying I can't, but I am terribly behind. And if you could do it, Barry, >> I have a meeting. What is time is the meeting? >> Starts at 8:30. I don't know what it doesn't have an agenda time. >> Yeah, we have a sheriff's committee that's been rescheduled, so I can't.
>> All right, Dwayne, I'll have to go. >> Richard's there. Well, we've got >> inform the presses. >> Well, I'm going to support you. I I appreciate you. And >> well, I am Am I missing anything? You
can see the handwritten and I apologize for I'm not as I'm old. So, so it's handwritten, but but it just gives you something to think about. Approximate income per year. Land ran 107k plus. And I asked for a data
request and they didn't have it done yesterday. >> Otherwise, I could have had you accurate numbers. >> So, I I plugged it in. Interest income. >> Oh, we have human services. >> About that. >> We could we could reschedule human services, I'm sure. Well,
>> okay. Yeah. >> Unless Phil wants to go. >> I'd like to support you. >> What time? What time is human services? >> 8:30 >> or 8:15. >> I can't go. >> You can't. You got sheriff. >> I know. I can't go. >> Is the meeting at that?
>> Mhm. >> We've all have conflicts at almost this time, but >> but usually human services, you could handle it, can't you? You do whatever you want. Yes. Yes. >> I mean, it's She knows. I I just sit there and [laughter]
>> sit there and look pretty. >> Wild. >> I think that's something we work out after the after the meeting and go from there. >> All right. >> Madam Chair, since we have uh Kyle and uh Brian here, could we do an update on
uh blighted properties or is that past agenda issued? >> I mean, I would be fine with it if we want. I'm sorry. >> Oh, we're talking about um getting an update from Brian and Kyle if they're willing to on something else, but >> Okay. I mean,
if if it works for you, I'd appreciate it. If it doesn't work, I understand completely. >> No, I'll I'm going to be there. >> Richard will be there. >> And the other suggestion would be one of the commissioners from Manomomen County. Any ideas or should I take that upon
myself? Well, I'll call I would talk to Dave Garing. >> Well, that was my suggestion. >> Yeah, that's what I would say. Dave would probably help you. >> He's knowledgeable in the >> Do you want to initiate it and he call me? >> I I I can text him right now, but I
don't know what I'm going to ask him if he can attend. But I think I think >> I haven't called Dwayne. >> I think he should contact his appointment or the Manomomen Countyy's appointment on the board if they >> Well, they have two appointees. >> Yeah.
And will you see my strategy behind this? >> Well, that would be for him. I mean, that would be for him to >> if he wants to >> pressure his voters to do that or miss his appointments, but that's
>> Wednesday, May Wednesday. >> Are we talking August? >> Yeah, we're right. >> Oh, no. This is May. No, we're talking August. Lord have mercy. >> Okay. If I may finish the back page. Yes. >> Down in the corner where it's
handwritten. Approximate amount of income per year. Land rent. We've discussed that 107k plus interest income. Like I just mentioned earlier, I I asked for a data request and they didn't have it done yesterday. But if you take 4% on
10 million, that's $400,000 a year. And I know other years I've asked for that data request and it was 360,000. in the one watershed, one plan. And you know, I'm an S SWCD supporter. And in that started out at 1.3 million for a
two years budget. So, and now it's 1.9 million for a two-year budget. And the wershed takes 30% off the top for their own spending. And you take that 30% and you divide it
in half. So the wershed then generates $285,000 out of that money that I tried to get all to the SWCDs. And then I the bottom one is I picked the levy 900,000 and you go back to
page three. You can see how the levies kind of got to that and I left it. I mean we know what the mill rate is. The mill rate is going to be that 003627. We know the mill rate is set by the the red board, but we don't know that this
office didn't know what that the appraiser's value was. I have to ask a question. Can you tell me you are when the wild rice watershed charges back? Mary probably be able to tell me you're charging a dollar amount or a mill rate
and it the dollar amount affects generates the mill rate. They're asking a dollar amount, right? They're not asking, >> right? But it's based on what the associated value is divided by the tax, >> right? But you're not >> tax. >> I'm not. What I'm asking is the wild
rice ask for a dollar amount, not a and the and the rate is affected by what that dollar amount is. Correct. Just like the board. >> Okay. So Dwayne, my my question was the real the mill rate doesn't really I mean it doesn't amount to what your
dollar that you're receiving in total matters. The mill rate doesn't matter. It's just that mill rate just determines who's paying what portion of that. >> Depending on >> the value of your land, >> right? >> Right. But the dollar amount that's collected is the same regardless what
that mill rate is. >> I don't know the answer. I >> I'm telling you I'm telling you the the wild rice watershed ask for 900,000. they're going to get 900,000 and that mill rate is fluctuating on the property which and to get the 900,000
>> but the mill rate would be on the current assessor's value >> right so that's >> right but what I'm saying is it's a dollar amount generated and then the mill rate is generated by the dollar amount it's not you don't you don't get a mill rate then you just pass that on
and whatever dollar amount you get you get you're getting a specific dollar amount I I just wanted to make sure okay I understood that >> based on the assessor Yes. >> Yeah, >> that makes sense. >> I thought we were going to be done early today. >> I thought we were too. >> All right.
>> Thanks, Dwayne. >> I'm good. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate your time. >> Yes. Thank you for coming. >> Keep bugging me or asking me something. So, I got >> So, I got support. >> All right. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Happy to do it. You need to amend your agenda or something. We're not on there anywhere, but >> I don't know. I think maybe not for just an update property. >> Yeah, I understand the request. I'm just saying throw it on the public.
>> I don't know. >> I That's what my advice is. But >> I would say that this >> I'm here >> if I would say we need to add it to the agenda for just give it an update from the county. I mean because there if it was if it's on the agenda, there's going to be people interested. So
>> I I would maybe ask that you maybe just do it next meeting. >> I was just or we could just do it next meeting. Yeah. >> And I can certainly tell Commissioner Hansen. >> Yeah, if you want to ask specifically, but I I I think it'd be best because there's people generally in here today. >> Yeah. There. And we need and maybe we
just so the public can hear it. >> We'll put it on the agenda since we had somebody to give a blighted property update. >> Put that on the agenda next time. >> Yes. Yes. >> Please. whatever time he can do it at. >> Yep. >> I would and just in in the meantime, I would ask each one of you to go take a
look at his complaint. >> Um >> the brand looks a lot better. >> Well, that there's there's that and I'm not sure how much more progress we'll get there. So, >> okay. >> All right. All right. >> Anything else? Meeting adjourned.
>> Thanks, guys. >> Thank you.