I pledge allegiance 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. It's a busy morning.
>> All right. Any changes to the agenda? Um, Madame Chair, just for uh the record, I know that there's an item on here where probation's going to come up come in and do a presentation on just a general peer support. I just wanted to make note that I understand that F5 had
also requested. So, it probably tracks underneath of that item, but I just wanted to make note that F5 would like to address the board as well, and they are the current peer mentor uh group that >> like we both be here. >> Yes. I think it would be appropriate for
them to be included in that item. >> Yep. Okay. >> Madam Chair, um we we were talking about the CND thing is coming to an end, the construction and demolition stuff. Uh you had something in your packet to fill out. Maybe it may be more appropriate
next meeting, but I I did want to take just a couple minutes and talk about futuristic. We We can do that at next meeting, too. But I do want to do it at some time, and I'm not sure if it would be appropriate this time or not. >> Um, do we want to do it in your report or do we do you want to Is it something we need to act on?
>> No. No, just for your information. >> So, report. >> Uh, we can either do it and we can either do it now. Did you guys all see Did you guys all see have a chance to fill out those? >> I started filling out. >> Did you start? You know what? May maybe next meeting be better. >> Okay. So, maybe we'll put it on the agenda next meeting.
>> For next meeting. Okay. >> Okay. Any other changes? >> Not for me. >> All right. If not, I'll entertain a motion >> to approve the agenda. >> I will so move second. >> All right. Any other discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion carried. Minutes. >> Not sure. I have one uh page two of four under public hearing number three. There's a motion there's a motion and a second but it doesn't say
who did the motion and second. >> Good catch. I didn't catch that. >> I'm not sure who did the motion and second but it >> that's all I have. Um, I did have one where it just says 10 counties in Minnesota are not tobaccof
free and I was just wondering if we should maybe make note that Becker County is one of them. >> I mean because it if you read the rest of it you would assume by the steps that we're taking but I just wonder if we should just say >> yeah 10 counties in Minnesota are not
tobaccof free including Becker County. Any other changes? Madam Chair, I think if you're going to >> it probably maybe should state a little bit clearer then if you I mean tobaccof free in the county
>> a tobaccof free work campus. >> Yeah. Something not tobacco free >> tobacco free ground tobaccof free county. >> Yeah >> to drive to North Dakota. There was one thing I there was a item on there under
administrator report. Um I just didn't even think it needed to be in there. But what was that now? I can't find it now. It was no big deal. I just thought it didn't Oh, is it about the legislative? Where
is that? >> Number two undered my Oh, yeah. Number two. I didn't There was no update on it. They didn't know if we needed to. >> Oh, >> I just under your report number two, legislative update. Not a lot has happened. Nothing has passed. I mean, do
we need that in our minutes? >> I don't want to report there's nothing. >> Got it. >> That's just for the house. >> Okay. Any other changes? If not, I'll entertain a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes with the changes. >> Do I have a second?
>> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All those in favor say I. I >> opposed. Motion carried. Anything to pull from the consent agenda? >> Um, no. But I would I would maybe at our
next meeting like the assessor assess assessor to be down here. Some of those abatements. Yeah, there was quite a few and they look like mostly office some clerical errors or um and then I uh Mary forwarded an email to the assessor that
we got a complaint on and there was I had to follow up with the individual and when you when I when there's a complaint and it's forwarded that and I'm CCD I would like to be included on the fix so I know that it's taken care of because then I followed up with the individual and they said
>> they gave me the scenario and I I assume this is on agenda today is one of the corrections was it was for hers property. >> So I mean I would >> respond some communication. >> Well when we send something I would like to be CCD in the fix if we get CCD in
the >> mistake or the concern or complaint. >> Yep. >> I want to know that it's been addressed and so I had to follow up with the individual and I because I never heard from our assessor's office. >> Gotcha. Got it. Madam Chair, just one of the consent
agendas with the sheriff the salvage and forfeited vehicles. Thank you guys for the work you did there on sheriff's committee of separating the scrap versus the vehicles, but does that go into our general fund or does that go into the sheriff's budget? How are those
vehicles where how are they receded? I guess >> I think that goes >> in your budget. >> Sheriff's budget. Okay. And we can't take credit for the separation. The sheriff's sheriff brought those. We did offer suggestions on how to sell those.
Instead of the scrap instead of one large block, maybe offer it in two blocks because there was quite a few of them. But um we did have quite a bit of discussion that those those were all salvage title or not use usable. So, but so you're just buying the lot to scrap
iron and basically and >> well, but the second list was actually vehicles that could be So, yeah. >> Okay. No, that was the only >> I'll move to approve the consent agenda. >> All right. Do I have a second?
>> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. >> Opposed? Motion carried. Open forum. Nobody. >> Yep. Open form. >> Come on up.
>> Say your state say your name and your address. My name is Dean Les and I live at 25590 Brandy Lake Road and I had ongoing problems out there in Brandy Lake for years and years and it
seemed to get bypassed and I don't know I've gone through zoning and I've called several other departments for environmental health and everybody points to a different department and uh I just want to know what's going
to be done. I've been told that it was sitting at the county's attorneys and it's been sitting there for months and they haven't I've checked with the district court. Nothing's been scheduled for a hearing. It's been said it was a civil and I was surprised that it's
civil being it's a nuisance. I thought at least a criminal charge should be except it's been pulled and I was very surprising that environmental health didn't push the issue. Do >> you know anything about
>> safety concerns? They got a vehicle up on the jacks and and taken apart sitting in on the in the road ditches and it's littered from front to back with vehicles and they've been working on
their vehicles tearing them apart and I can tell you that they're not going to be putting their oil and antifreeze or brake fluid to go into the ground and it's going into the lake shore groundwater. And I would think that we could do a better job protecting our lakes in Becker County.
>> Um, Madam Chair, I do have this on u my my report that I was going to give an updated on blighted properties and do you want me to do that now very quickly since it's come up and Okay. >> Um, so yesterday um there is a committee um that's been formed within the um
county all the departments. So, we're communicating and I was a part of that. Actually, we just met yesterday and got updated. Um, there's about I think six or seven I can't that have been identified and one of them is probably the Brandy Lake one that you're identifi you're identifying.
>> So, they're at different stages. We have to go through certain steps and all of them are moving forward. Um there were several that have been um sent to the county attorney's office and we're doing updates and updated pictures and and so things are actually moving. Probably not
as quickly as what you would probably like. Um but we are as a county and all those departments that you maybe have dealt with are all working together um jointly and meeting and sharing information. So, different approaches
are being taken with different depending on I know at least one of them has one pending charge and they were going to charge um one of those property owners again. Um but they're at different stages. >> And with that said, I mean I my main
concern is does it sit in the county's attorney and it gets overlooked because it's not an important agenda to get pushed through court yet. >> Understood. And I can tell you on our um committee that we when we met the county attorney is is a participant in that. So
they're getting all the information that we're getting as well. So I think it's a better approach that we have taken as a county. Um it's not of course moving it's it's a those are complicated situations and you have to also you know have the court hear those cases as well
>> and and I'm satisfied with that just so it doesn't continue. I hear it and then a year later it's still sitting there. >> Right. >> That's >> Yeah. >> I think we we we've had a lot of discussion at the board about buy properties, this one in particular, I know Richard has been very good about
about bringing it up and and making sure it's moving along. So, I I do think that while it's it's not even moving as fast as some of us on the board would like it, but we're we we will, you know, stay on top of it and make sure that um that they do get addressed because there
there are a couple that >> have a lot of concerns. >> I I hear from my other half of mine is that she's concerned that when they start moving these >> that what else comes in is for rodents and stuff. M she's been
>> they moved the grain company on her small town and >> she got bit and had to get her shots and everything. So that's >> worth the environmental you know hazard public health. >> Mhm. >> And Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yeah. And but we
>> excuse me madam. um to to that point and that's why we have all of the different departments coming up with planning um rather than just one trying to take take the lead on this because it there are many issues.
>> Okay. Well, I thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Appreciate you coming. >> Thanks for coming in. >> Thanks, Dean. Thanks, Dean. >> Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else? Open forum. Jerry, >> nothing this week. Well,
>> I'm done talking to you guys. >> All right. Well, let's move on to reports and correspondence. Who wants to go first? >> I'll go first. So, I had a fair Eric and I had a fair board meeting. Um,
so the fair is the 29th of July through the 1st of August. The rodeo will be Wednesday night and Thursday night and the derbies will be Friday night and Saturday night. So, it's kind of exciting. Um they they they every year they get a legacy every year they are
able to apply for a legacy grant and an aggra grant and they got approved for both of them this year again. And so they'll be doing some they're they're not large grants, but they'll they help with maintenance and fixing up stuff and educational stuff and paying uh it pays
for they can use the legacy grant, I think, to pay for entertainment >> at the fair. So they they help. Um they also got a donation for a bench. So they're they're going to either have this person donate the bench, but what they'd like to do, they bought some new
benches in the past with some of those grants. So, they want they'd like to have them all the same and then this person can donate and then they'll buy this bench and then there's a place they can put a plaque on it that then is donated by so and so. So, that was kind of good. Um, and then one more thing that's going to really help the fair out
is they increase the prize money for the demo derbies. So, it should attract more drivers and more and and better drivers. So, the the derby should be better. And that was kind of an issue last year, especially at this when it was at the same time as the PUM fair. >> There were derby. So they lost a lot
because they paid more. So now now we're paying more. So we should get more hopefully more. Better. That's a word. >> More better. >> Today's English. >> Yeah. Yeah. I know. My mom's English teacher. Um and then uh Carrie and I and
Tiarra went to AMC negotiating negotiation training and and actually I'll be honest with you, I was good. I was skeptical going in and it was really good cuz I all I saw was 8 hour day, 8 hour day. It's like, "Oh my god, are you kidding me?" Um, but it was good. Uh, it there was a
lot of good information. There was a lot of activities that we did, small group and larger group activities that helped us to understand better and to perform better as a as a negotiating person. So, it it actually it actually was was
valuable. And one of the big things I took out of there is that you need to have a professional relationship with mutual respect with uh the oppos the opposing not I don't say the opposing side but both sides have to have that that
relationship and professional uh respect and and and and trust. And then we had a discussion on ethics and that was the topic of the ethics discussion. I guess >> you were. >> Well, cuz we we did a mock negotiation and I apparently broke some ethics.
>> Oh, you shouldn't do that. >> Commissioner Meer, make sure you tell them in your role playing that how difficult you were. >> I was difficult. Yes. I was the I was the community person that didn't want something. So, I was difficult. >> That fell right into place.
>> You didn't have to role play at all then? >> No. No. I had I had to force myself to do that. But then then they did the last activity he did was a actual real negotiation where we had two different sides and we had people from a city transit and people that were the workers
from the city transit and so it was actually it was actually really it was it was good. It was good. It was it it was it was helpful. Um and then Barry and I had a sheriff's meeting. Um, let's see. The squads are on the on the
>> Well, we talked about a permanent part >> time permanent. Yep. >> But the number the numbers weren't adding up for us. So, we want clarification and we okayed it and sent it to finance if the numbers were >> neutral or beneficial to, but there was some questions. So, I think Carrie's was looking
>> into that more. So, it'll come come later. >> Um, we did also have a discussion. And there was a grant that was applied for and awarded for a boat. And I don't know if that's time-sensitive, but um we didn't agree on on this at committee. So
I I mean the sheriff certainly can still bring it for the board, but I'll briefly explain it. Um it was the grant was for $20,000 and in the grant application, the request was to upgrade a boat and motor. Um, and
technically we have to approve grant applications at the board level to move forward. And that wasn't done. So we're So I said, well, it didn't go that channel cuz I wouldn't have want I I suggested that we asked to put it towards a vehicle, the $20,000 towards a vehicle because we have to pull the
vehicles, the boats also. Um, so I offered that and maybe it's still possible to do an amendment to that grant to do vehicle to offset vehicle price. No, I don't believe so. >> Well, I read Well, I read through the thing and you can make an amendment and it has the amendment has to be approved.
I mean, it can't you can't just write a amendment, but if an the amendment is sent in and approved, you can get a get that offset on the vehicle, I believe, because um so I said I I would support it if we traded in two boats and motors to get one new one because it took it
was a $37,000 boat and trailer, boat, motor, and trailer. So, we'd had to come up with, you know, 17,000 of our own money, give or take a few dollars. Um, so anyway, that's where it's at. If the if there's no amendment, I just I don't think we
need four boats, I think. And then they said, "Well, we'd like to have one as a spare." And I I it costs money. Everything you have costs money. So, I I didn't support it at that level. I I think the full board should have opportunity to weigh in on that if the sheriff wants to bring it forward. And I
I asked the question, how many times do we have four boats out on patrol? And the only answer we got that I could confirm was that it was on the 4th of July. >> It wasn't we didn't get we didn't get actually that confirmation. It was out when there was a
>> or or or rescue or emergency rescue or something >> recovery. >> Recovery. Yeah. >> Of a. So, so anyway, if that if Sheriff Gander wants to bring that through back through committee or um if it's time sensitive, it might be just dead. But anyway, that
was that was one of the discussions. Then we then we also discussed uh probation which Brian's going to talk about when he's here to we won't we won't take his thunder away by and then we had a we had a did have a discussion on the impound storage and
we're kind of just waiting on MState to see what's going to go on. So >> and that's all I had. Um, just to continue on, I had uh Lakeland Mental Health and we honored those employees that were there for their anniversary of
5, 10, 15, 20. Um, I think there was one at 30 also, 25 or 30 and then we went out for lunch. So, that was a nice uh employee get together. Uh, the financials are just on the positive side. So, we're still we're in the black
and and that's good. And last year we finished in the positive. So, um, it's it's real tight and some of that is to do with employees out. So, we're, you know, on leave, so we're trying to compensate for that. So, it's a it's very, you know, in that market, you
can't just bring a temp in. You know, they're professionals and they're professional reimbursements. >> So, you're you're just losing you're losing revenue. You don't have all the expense, but, you know, you just can't uh recoup that completely. Um there is
also the the collectibility of the UKare Minnesota accounts and that we are owed $359,000. They were expecting a check for 129,000. Um and those debts have been written off basically, but obviously we think we'll recoup some of those and um they're
hoping to get most of that 359,000, but that's yet to be seen. um had some donations um that we accepted there and you know one of the things for Lakeland
they do self insurance for the for the insurance for employees and they've had a real rough couple years so we're we had to raise the rate inter you know for internally and uh but finally the last month then they got they projecting that we're getting back on the positive end
and getting getting ahead of that. So, that was good news. Um, the only other meeting I had, what was it? Uh, did you have any others? >> No, that's all I had. >> Um, so the trees were in. Everyone pick up their trees for tree planting for soil and water.
>> Um, there was one more. So, just give me go ahead to someone else and I'll grab that. >> Bill, >> Richard, you always go last. You want to go next? >> I'll go next. You probably won't approve of it cuz I'm not going to be as thorough as as But >> I'll fill in the blanks. >> You're going to have to fill it in,
Phil. But I had environmental with Phil. Um, we're looking at purchasing a scissor lift. Um, um, we got a new camera over our assort line from Colgate. Is that right? Was it Colgate crust? >> Toothpaste.
>> Yeah. So, we're looking for toothpaste, I guess. But yeah, it's just Yeah. >> All right. >> Um we're going to finally grind some sheetrock. We're going to set a date for that. Um they're going to come and haul that all out of there.
Um looks like we got six inmates working on the Equick crew. Um our mattress recycling program is growing. Um, I guess we're going to maybe burn some
of the We were going to try and sell some of this foam, but I guess there's no market for it right now. >> What kind of foam? >> The foam out of the >> foam out of the mattresses. >> So, we're probably going to burn it. So, actually, we're not just going to light it on fire and let it black.
>> You're going to incinerate it. >> We're going to incinerate it. And that'll be, you know, it'll So it'll it'll >> it'll be just like high school when you're burning tires out in the fire. >> We didn't do that. >> You did that. >> Nobody does that. >> It's too smoky.
>> Uh, and anything else, Bill? I mean, I don't know. I'm looking at it here. >> Yeah, I got a couple. Yeah, >> I thought you would. We'll go. >> Um, the employee hire, potential employee hire that is on, so we'll talk about that later. Uh just some walking
floor trailers. They're not meeting DOT inspections, so we've got to get some work done on those. We got two grants. There's a reuse grant um that we're going to have to that we'd like to apply for. I think it'll come up next meeting. Um and then one is for a building for
reuse. We don't have enough space out there. And then the other one's for some MURF equipment. Um then the other thing Richard that we talked at towards the end was the uh outofcount demo that's coming into our facility. Um Becker County when you think about it we should
res be responsible for our demolition material coming in. What's happening is our price is lower than Ottertales. So like somebody takes a house down in Vergus and they say oh we'll just go up here and and make a extra buck at it or not have to pay an extra buck at it. So,
um we may be coming with uh raising some demo material uh costs um for for only for out of county people. Um they were pretty confident they could tell who's coming from in county and out of county, but I I get the guy tearing down a
house. Maybe he's a Becker County resident and he he gets a job in Verus. You know, we got to figure out how to how to deal with that. But if if if the demo comes from outside the county, >> Richard, you said it. We shouldn't be filling up our demo facility with other
counties demo. So, it's it's kind of a >> or or at least not at a reduced rate from there. >> Correct. They should be paying >> because we're going to end up getting a lot more of it than correct than we really need and we really need to take care of our own. So, >> so we're going to look at tip fees a little bit and you know, we get a lot of
push back. Uh Richard is you know our tip fees are are right up there but I mean for demo otteres are a lot higher than ours. So um we're going to do a little study on that and probably make a decision next next month our next uh our next meeting.
>> Um so that was environmental. Are you done Richard? Okay. >> Um tire recycling event. So uh good news. I mean some good news. Start with some good news here. Uh we had our tire recycling event. uh had almost 54 ton of
tires come in. Um that's about 1,400 tires at uh our place here and out in Osage. Had two days out in Osage, we had four days here uh in Detroit Lakes. Um at the end of the day, it c it's going to cost us, you know, we had the first
four were free, the second four or five were half price, and then uh it was 25% off big loads coming in. and we had a lot of big loads coming in and uh interestingly enough I was out there yesterday and asked the some of the employees and stuff how it went and um
they said it was pretty smooth. They said a lot of people are still bringing in tires so the event is over but they're still bringing them in. It it got in their minds and they said, "Oh yeah, I can do that. I got a bunch of tires." They had a full truckload come in uh this last week. Um so
people are taking the initiative. It was a good event. It got people thinking about it and it was successful. probably cost the county um you know about $10,000. I would guess um in total three three trucks of tires have already left and been taken to I think it's Liberty
Tire. Um I had them ask uh you know how people hear about this just so the next time we do one of these events um we can know where where it makes a difference. Uh Facebook was the number one response is that's how they found out. uh
newspaper uh and then just word of mouth was a big one. Um and then it goes down from there. So was a good event, successful. Um we will be doing something else down the road. Probably not this spring anymore. We got a lot going on right now, but maybe in the fall we'll do something. Um
>> Madame Chair, um just before you move on to your next committee meeting, I was just going to add, if I may, to your information. >> Yes, please do. Um, I just wanted the board to be aware that the IQIC crew leader that we did have has since retired and so the process is moving forward um for there's an application
process. So, they're looking at hiring. It's a state employee. So, that will be and so the coverage has been uh primarily the um uh correctional officer that's been so that that crew can continue running. So, and I know we
spoke about that um when full-time was authorized in the sheriff's department. So, I just wanted to let you know that that was happening. >> Um at Prairie Lakes, uh you know, we're putting ash into our Highway 40. Um
you guys know about it. Uh nothing much there. We're going to start budgeting. I'm going to sit on the budget committee. So, we'll we'll get that going here in May. Um 245th, Carrie's going to talk about that. So, I'll just save our comments and what's going on there for your report there. Um, environmental, Richard talked about
pretty much everything there. Um, had a rack committee meeting. Um, Dunlock shelter, if you remember, we approved some improvements out there. Uh, some I haven't seen it actually. Um, but I think they're going to put in some windows, get some more light in in that's the old shelter, not the new
shelter. Um, so, uh, that should be complete here soon. They're going to put some paint on it. And um uh we had Harland Trail report, we had a Wanigan report, a Bucks Mills. Well, if you get a chance, run down to Bucks Mills. That is really impressive down
there. They got the work done. They're already they're pretty much done. They had a September deadline. They're already done. So, uh very cool to see down there. >> There's some there's some online photos of drones going over, too. It's really I mean, it's nice. And the actually the
old dam is still in there. >> It is. So, the dam is still in there. They didn't remove it. They just filled behind it so it didn't have that. >> And then just gradually um and there was a drone and I didn't see it, but they showed the fish going up the channel. >> Yeah, the trout are coming. Yeah, they
said there were trout. >> Trout, too. >> Yeah, trout trying to get up. So, as I was down there a few times, I've seen that. Um but very cool. Uh you know, that that that building that you see in the sites, someone owns that building. just just futuristically. I mean, if they want to build something new there
and monetize it, I think that'd be great, too. But, uh, you know, if that ever becomes available, I would be a big proponent for turning into into some kind of a park like like Dun >> that could be renamed Phil Hansen Park if it was big enough donation, you know.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Nelson. Um, our last conversation at Rack was about Little Sugar Bush. You guys remember we approved that house sale. It is being sold. They've got until October to move that house out. Uh we're going to go out there next month. We're going to take a road tour for Iraq and and look and see
what we can do out there. Uh trim it down, make it into some kind of a part. What we see what else we can do out there um on little Sugar Bush Lake there. So, um that is all kind of in the works. Anything else to add, Erica? >> Just the park on Randolph Road in 54. um
project 412 came and I think is going to reach out to you Jim just wanting to put a sign and a possible trail to connect that park to um the trail that comes in. So we we told her to reach out to Jim just to see if there's any want to put a
sign on the the county owns >> seems like a road right ofway issue more than >> a rack issue. So yeah, >> but otherwise that was all. >> Is that all? >> Well, we had um rack committee or the um zoning ordinance committee. I don't know. Did you make
>> I missed the I made two of them. I missed the last one. >> The big I mean we're ongoing with some of the shoreline ordinances and they're they're going to be forwarded to the planning and zoning and then through here. But one thing we did clarify was the language on um the appeal process.
So, if you remember, we had an individual questioning whether we should be stopping a project because it's it's being appealed. It was I mean, I I believe wholeheartedly that that was not the intent. I mean, because you can drag out appeals for years and years. I mean,
>> without getting to the courts even. So, we clarified language that this is so it's if you file if it's appealed in any way, it doesn't stop the project be because that not that wasn't the intent, I don't think. And correct me if I'm wrong if if that's not your opinion, but
>> um >> so the courts can stop project, but I don't think we and the question somebody may raised a question. Can we legally even stop it once it's approved? Can we legally stop it after that be without court action? So we just clarified
language that's moving forward through that system. So >> sure. >> Um the only thing I had was just uh fair board with Dave. I have nothing to add. And one other thing that I just thought of about the rat committee is with the sugar bush um little sugar bush um house we're you know looking at what our
options are and I know White Earth has said that they would be willing to partner with us. So we're going out there our next meeting which would be >> June >> June 7th June >> June 7th >> June um and we're going to ask for White Earth to meet us out there and just have a conversation of what
>> they did say they had a maybe a dock available too. >> Yep. Yep. So I I think that has the opportunity to be a great >> thing. Phil, I think you've been in the loop quite a bit on it is the Eagle Lake access. I mean that's still on the table. >> Yeah. And I can give an update on that.
Um Dave, >> I didn't really ask for that update. >> I'm just kidding. >> There isn't an update really. >> There really isn't. So it it the city of Frasy has the it has closed. So, the three person uh
>> lake association for lack of a better word. >> Yeah, they're actually a a nonprofit corporation, but they have that it's in their possession now. I've set them up with shots go. Hopefully, the DNR will purchase that from them. And then I had offered that down the road we would
>> manage it. >> Yes, we we would do it. That's and that's where it's at. Dave says he used to be able to make those decisions on his own. He said he can't anymore. So, it's going up the food chain. He said that's where it's at and I haven't got anything recent.
>> If you want if give me could you forward me or have someone forward me the proposal and I can maybe make a call to and maybe help facilitate that at the DNR level. >> Uh there there isn't a proposal really. Um it's just they want them the DNR to purchase it.
I mean I don't think it's any more than that. Well, just yeah, we >> just the legal how it how it's being proposed is then we can campaign for it through legislatively and DNR officials. So,
>> okay, any other reports? >> All right, we'll move on to appointments. Um, madam chair, there's an appointment for the on our agenda for the corman, no for the zoning ordinance review committee. Uh,
I've talked to did we we got an I got a resignation from my representative. They're they just they're work conf have a work conflict. Um, and our last meeting uh Jeff Morates has been attending our meetings through and he's on the Corman watershed. So he's been he's active and he knows the the
processes on the ordinance also. Um, so I would like to and I he was at that meeting and I and he's in my district. So I asked him if he'd be interested in um in seeking that filling that position and he w would. So I would like to point Jeff Morris to fulfill the term of the
district 5. >> All right. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Nelson zoning ordinance. So that's the one where we sit on Yeah. >> And he's been I think he was at the one you last one. Who is he replacing?
>> Um Mandy. She was the last one she was at was about three ago or so and she was zoom she zoomed in. She her she just said with her new position it's just can't do. >> Okay. >> And she sent me a res or >> any other discussion
>> um Carrie did you have something? >> No. >> Okay. >> All right. All those in favor say I. >> Opposed. >> Motion carries. I'm just since we're talking about appointments, uh, next meeting we will have, uh, appointments for Pelican River Wershed. So, I think
there's three that are up. Uh, have we got any? We We posted that. I said it had to be posted for a month. Um, >> it's been posted and you got some >> Yep. >> We've gotten some people some candidates.
>> Okay. All right. So, that'll be next next next meeting, right? >> Correct. >> Okay. There was also a resignation on the board of adjusters. >> Yep. I was just going to bring that up. Okay. >> Yep. And that's an at large position. >> Um >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So, that's one that I forwarded to >> that we want to make sure and get posted.
>> Yep. Yep. >> Okay. >> Um go ahead, Madam Chair. Did you want to >> uh Yeah. Just just some sad news from the watershed. Um the the director has passed away. Um, so they'll be not only appointing some new people, but they'll
be on the lookout for new ex executive director in the interim. Uh, Shauna, who's the office manager, is filling in in that role. So, >> but Tara Gutter did a lot of >> good work in the county and um >> yeah, Commissioner or Madam Chair,
condolences to Tara's family and >> yes, >> it's so sad that she left us so early and um her she she put her heart and soul into that watershed. There's no question about it. >> Um did a lot of positive for water quality and and fought hard against
anyone that stood in the way of water quality. And sometimes it and we needed those strong role models and just a I just I never realized she was that ill until till the very end and and such condolences to the family and to the
watershed board and staff over there. So >> yeah, none of us none of us did. I uh it came on fast. I remember uh Willow Avenue out here when that ro the water got up about a month ago was real high and I called Tara said, "Tara, she sounded great." Uh but that was two
weeks before and she was tell I'll get on it and we'll we'll see what's going on there and and see if we got to fix a culvert or something. So she was >> to the end. She was all all about it. So >> yeah, I think she had only just retired two weeks ago, didn't she? >> Yeah, she was. Yeah, she Yeah, she was.
>> Yep. >> Yeah, that's too bad. >> Okay. Um any move on to our county engineer? All right, >> Madam Chair, this is going to be kind of
controversial, so I don't know if we >> All right, we have uh resolution 5261A to reappoint our county engineer for another four years. >> I'll I'll make a motion to approve resolution 1A. All right, we have a
motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? >> Madam Chair, I just can't, you know, can't say enough about Jim and and how he has so calmly taken us forward and through the whole building process. I mean, he's had commissioners, not me,
but other commissioners have not always been the nicest, you know. Um, no, but you know, to be a department head of these large and sheriff glander, too. I mean, he has to navigate through five commissioners and then we come and go and and and he's
taken some heat up here in different things in the past and just just said, "Yep, we'll I'll check that. I'll get that." And and just such a just such a calming, solid role model for us and if we could all be like more like Jim, we'd have a great county. Um, I'm just
hopeful that he serves this full term out because I I'm worried that we're going to lose him eventually and and that's going to be a tough tough shoes to fill there. I I think we >> I was in the hiring process and and Jack King Instead was the one and we had a couple candidates that were pretty
strong and and Jack said, "You want someone reliable that's going to keep everything solid and not not and and he recommended Jim and he made a a good recommendation." And so thank you for your years here and and hope we continue on um quite a quite a long ways and and
uh when your time is ready to move on, I I'm be welcome you to retirement, but I we're certainly happy to have you serve here for four more years. >> Absolutely, Jim. >> Madam Chair, I would echo what what uh Commissioner Nelson said, especially about the calmness. Some things get
pretty excited and you have I wish I had that trait. Um uh but just uh for for this committee here, we're talking about appointments. I didn't realize Jim was appointed. What other are all of our department heads appointed?
>> Assessor. >> Assessor. >> Assessor. What else? >> Recorder now >> is appointed. >> Mhm. Um, I do would also like to point out and I don't this is not going to be good news for us or um, but Ottertale County just hired a new
um, and uh, the price they paid. I don't even want to tell tell this out loud, but they're in our review group and it's going to drive I mean it's it's it's way up there. >> It is. >> And uh, we are we are getting a bargain. >> Bit of a it's a bit of a price shocker.
>> Yes. And uh I chastise well I chastised one of the Ottertale commissioners already, but Oh, you already heard about that? Yeah, we already heard about that. It's um so um I I I truly truly appreciate Jim and and we will as part of the pool that position will be
reviewed again, I'm sure, as we as we move forward on the on this on how we are doing how we are moving forward in negotiations or salaries. Now that's part of the process. So, um, Jim, did you want have anything to say to us or or before your appointment is granted or
>> Well, I appreciate all the the compliments and that, but no, I've really enjoyed here working here and when you have great staff working under you, um, it makes it easy for me, but we all work together and I enjoy my job and
and that's the important thing. >> Well, well, thanks. We appreciate you. Thank you, Jim. Yeah. And being we got that paved area out by Shramm Road, I think helped a lot too. We had a lot less. >> Car doesn't get stuck anymore. >> Madam Chair, uh Carrie, I got to go back
to this appointment. What how do we how does the county determine whether someone is appointed or >> it's by statute? >> It's by statute >> and there's a specific statute to this to this. Those three the engineer assessor and recorder are statutoily
>> when you in our veteran is there veterans appointment >> uh appointed >> yes I think statute related to that too. >> I did not know that. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Okay. We have a um motion and a second
on the table to reappoint uh count county engineer resolution 1A. Um all those in favor say I. >> I. opposed. Motion carried. Welcome for another year. Four years, Jim. Thank you. >> All right. >> Thank you, Jim.
>> Any other discussion before we move on to And I just want to make note it is 9 9:00 on the schedule and it is 8:59. We're one minute ahead of schedule. >> That's an efficient chair. >> Well, so we going to waste a minute then? No. >> And we started late, too. >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> You started early, >> Carrie to me. >> Yep. Um, thank you, Madam Chair. Um, the first item that I just wanted to in, um, make sure that all the public and the board was aware of, um, Becker County
Sheriff Todd Glander was honored with the Everyday Hero Award at the United Way of Becker County Celebration of Heroes. I I don't remember him telling us this, but I came upon this information and that that happened on April 23rd, 2026, and it was held at
Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center. Um, just a little bit about the award. Uh, the award recognized his dedication, leadership, and service to the community over nearly four decades in law enforcement. Glander, who has served Becker County since 1988,
that's a long time, and was elected sheriff in 2013, is known for holding high expectations for professionalism and respect from his staff and for his unwavering commitment to protecting residents. So, congratulations. Welld deserved.
>> Congratulations, D. >> Congratulations. Now, make sure you can fit your head out the door anyway. >> Um, so another update from the legislature that we probably don't need to note in the minutes um >> is there isn't one.
>> Yeah, there's like um the the heading of this is uh despite key hearings and developments still there's no universal budget targets or agreements. >> Yeah. >> That just continues. I was on a Zoom meeting yesterday with with um MRC and
they did say that >> the IT is really still gaining momentum. So, they're really hopeful that that will >> um >> that will have funding for it and and move forward. So, that was the positive of it. Mhm. >> Um >> I do think there's also some language
being um in I believe it's in the human services omnibus bill um that will bring the MAPBA what AMC has been >> rallying MAPA CWDA to the to the state for the county reviews which really is I
think important because that's >> will take a lot of time would take a lot of time from from county agencies. So, >> and didn't they propose something to help a little bit with a little bit of funding, too? >> Um, that I'm not sure. >> They had targeted some funding. You're correct. I don't recall the dollar
amount, but you they're recognizing. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> They were recognizing >> not near enough. >> No, no, no. >> But or one of our consultants said that there's a lot of posturing right now from the the two parties that they're they're it's the way I took it is they're throwing up silly stuff so the
other side has to vote and say, "Oh, gotcha. You didn't vote for this." And one of the commissioners asked, "Well, wasn't there a law wasn't I don't remember it was House or Senate, wasn't there a bill brought way forward to to eliminate or make it illegal for to and to take people that are deceased off the
voting roles?" And that got defeated and the rep said, "Well, technically, yes, but there's already one on the books to do this process." So it was a I you know so it's kind of just that >> well and nothing introduced here forward
is I mean it's already basically dead on the water because you have to go through so many committees before it can move on and we've already passed all those >> committees are are done though. I think that that is done. So, I mean, I think there was a lot of posturing just trying to >> polit do politicizing different votes
just knowing that they're not >> Yeah. >> going to go anywhere. And >> well, I think what do we have two weeks left? >> Yesterday was two weeks. >> Yesterday was two weeks. >> So, all right. Probably be the same
report at our >> Yeah. >> Hopefully the next board meeting we have a little bit more news on. >> Yeah. Maybe I'll have a little bit more news the next board meeting. Um, we had internally, and I mentioned this in at the committee level, we had reviewed the ability uh for our veteran services. We
were approached by Norman County to potentially take on their veteran service, their veteran service officers uh part-time or serving vets up in Norman County part-time. and we looked at, you know, the potential of whether or not our veteran service here could
partake in taking that pool of veterans on. And we came to the conclusion that um that isn't something at this point that we should probably do um for fear or risk of, you know, potentially um lessening the service that we're providing currently to Becker County.
>> I just I just want, Madam Chair, I just want to interrupt a little bit. Um, I just want to say that I've heard a lot of amazing things about our veteran service office. Tony, Tony and Jason are doing a great job. >> Um, the guys that the guys I know that
that are at the BFW are just absolutely happy as they can be and because it was so just shout out to them. They're doing a great job. So, >> and I'm sure we're helping out in the transition time for them. But >> we did offer we did offer that. I think geographically it's difficult for us to
I mean it's just such a far distance from Norman. It is it's not our joint I mean they're adjoining to a little bit but I mean that's it's it's quite a distance to ask your veterans to travel down here to get that what they >> or for our staff to travel up there. And
we had looked at we had looked at options you know potentially with the funding of you know um incorporating or asking the board you know to look at like a halftime assistant here but then that pulls away from our vets here. And I I think um exactly what you said,
Commissioner Meyer, the positive work that's being done here in Becker County. I just and they they felt the same. We had the discussions internally that they just didn't want to disrupt uh the good work that we have going on here in our county. But we have offered to help in their transition, you know, time while
they're hiring. So, >> and support for their new staff, I'm sure. Yes. you know that and that's >> and there were other counties that supported our you know staff as we hired new in here as well. So >> um I just wanted to update just very
quickly um we haven't had any scheduled negotiations yet with our unions. um you know, we've tried to set the tone and offer let's get going and early and and we've heard um yes, we'll reach out um but we have no dates set yet. And so I
was really hoping to get started with this sooner than later um with our, you know, budgets coming up in 2027, but hopefully that will happen sooner than later. And then my last thing on my report is um we I don't know if we talked about
this last board, but um for future work sessions if that's something of interest. I know capital budgeting keeps recycling back up and making a you know um working through that of what that's going to be. I know there was a need for that >> uh specifically that was just talked
about in the sheriff's budget and you know rolling over dollars and such. So, is that something you'd like me to schedule or do you want to discuss the date now or not do it? I don't really want to give that as an option. >> No, I think we need to >> I think we should schedule something if Yeah.
>> Okay. >> If it works. >> I know we've done it different ways. We've done it on off weeks um which I would suggest or you know a Wednesday following the board meeting. I think we've done both. Do we want to are we looking at May?
>> I would like to start in May. In May, >> that's what I had said. I think probably the last board meeting. >> We're looking at the last week in May then or after our next meeting or >> how however you'd like me to. If you have suggestions, I will certainly take
those. >> Thursday the 21st. >> Nope, that won't work for me. Okay. How about the 26th? >> Yep. >> Do the 26th? >> 26 works for me. >> And you would like to do the um like the
board time like 8:30 or committee time 8:30 right away. Does that work better for people? >> Yeah. >> Was that >> Barry? Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, >> I will uh we'll get that scheduled then and then I'll send you um we'll have to post that obviously and then um we've
got kind of our revolving and hopefully we can have some discussions and move a few of our items further. >> We'll meet here. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Unless you want to meet somewhere else. You want to meet here at the boardroom. So, yep. We'll do a calendar invite for you. >> How long how long?
>> Um generally we've scheduled for an hour and a half. Um, would you like to go longer, shorter? Richard, how about four hours? That's what I would like. >> Well, we're starting like a half hour earlier, so could go with those. >> Go a couple hours. >> Time to go a couple hours.
>> Capital budgeting will be the topic. >> That's Yes. >> That's one of the main topics. Yes. >> All right. Oh, you just got to probably got a calendar invite from Peggy as we were discussing. So, okay. Two hours. >> Oh, okay. She's going to adjust. Okay.
Anything else on that? >> I'll accept the one and a half, >> but not two. All right. Uh, moving on to my second agenda item. Um, as you will note that it's uh the quotes for the landfill
fencing that we've talked about on 245th numerous times. Um, Steve just sent me a recent quote just this morning. You have not seen it. I just got it. Um, so I was hoping that we would have quotes that you could look at. Um, unfortunately when I looked just briefly at these one
of them, I think both of them, there's two there's two different quotes at this point, but again, you don't you're not going to have time to take a look at that. >> Um, but I know um, one of the concerns that's been brought up with the fencing is that um, I know you had indicated you
didn't want barbwire fencing, so it's um, it's for barbwire fencing. So, we're going to have to do strand fencing and update those quotes. Um, I environmental committee had met yesterday and talked talked this through again. Um, again,
there's operational things that Steve and his team are working on and updating the MPCA. Um, but really with the with the fencing, I wanted, you know, more than one company quoting this and for a board to review that. So, um, I'm just
looking for a consensus. If you want me to have Steve update these quotes for >> nonbarbroer. >> I'm not wired with any barb wire. I've gotten through a lot of barb wire fences. >> So I I don't know why we would use barb
wire. It's hard on wildlife and it doesn't make any sense to me. It's not like, oh, that's barb wire. I'm not going to go through there. So I don't know why I keep asking for just tinsel strength electric wire and >> but no electric. Well, we could electrify it,
>> but it barb wire is not going to stop somebody that wants to come in there. And even chain link hasn't stopped anybody. They just cut a hole in it last time they came in there. So, >> I guess I I don't know that we have a need for barb wire, but I think it needs
to be maybe a a a wrapped wire, not just a single strand. I mean, it needs to be a heavier gauge wire, not >> that that electric that new electric is. >> Yeah. I'm just saying, you know, the old electric that I have. >> No, it's not bad. It's >> I don't care what I mean, as long as it
it doesn't matter to me if it's barbed wire, but it needs to be a better gauge of wire than just a simple >> what gauge wire is that? >> It's high tensil and it's it's really strong. Um, my neighbors got it. The only thing I'm going to say because I
you all know how I feel about this, but I don't think we should take the cheapest route. I think we we need to make sure that our landfill is secure. So, whatever that means, I'm not sure, but >> Well, we could make it electric.
>> Well, I mean, I think >> that would slow them down. >> Madam Chair, we we did have a meeting on this. The sheriff set in on it. Um he said the more secure it is, the less problems you're going to have. What my concern is the buildings over there, the equipment, you know, and we talked with
with John up there. You know, you're going to have to put all the vehicles in at night to get the keys out of them. Um, and and secure them. Everything's going to have to be locked. My my concern was coming across the closed landfill and someone snooping around. We've got a lot of assets over there and we don't want people fiddling with that
stuff. Will hightensil wire stop them? Is chain link better? Well, chain link would probably be better, but then it becomes at a higher cost. So, I mean, these are just things we're we're mulling about. Now, I I will defer to what what you guys think and we'll have to deal with it. We did talk about uh
security cameras. We talked about multiple issues, but we got to start with fence. We got to have something there. Um, you know, this tensil wire is what Richard wants. Um, you know, I How many strands? I mean, is it three strand, five strand, one strand? You know, I think two or three strands is
good, but I'm looking at, like I mentioned yesterday, Phil, if you drive by Hog, okay, there's millions of dollars worth of equipment there. There's no fence around it. There's no fence around you motors. A lot there's just very few people are fencing in their equipment, you know. Um, it just
and I have when I have my stuff at my gravel pit, there's no fence around that. Anything can happen. If everybody wants chain link, it's just very expensive. And so that's I'm just trying to save some money, but I I I I don't know why we would do anything different
than than any businesses. >> I would guess those businesses likely have security systems though. Like they may they maybe don't fence it, but I bet you that they have >> Well, we should have some cameras out there. >> And they're on a major road, too. I mean, Highway 59 driving by is a deterrent probably. >> I don't know. There's still
>> Regardless, what do we want to do? We need to move forward with this. We need to get some direction. Does everybody want to do tensil fence? >> Yes. I am not in favor of a a chain link fence or a ch or I mean I just think that's extreme. I >> I think you're going to have cameras where there's where they're in your
buildings and around your buildings and that'll give you security and nothing is secure whether it's chain link all the way or not. They're probably going to drive on the road and >> if they want to get in >> they're going to cut the lock come in through the gate. So I mean you look at the machinery that farmers have sitting
in the fields and there's no I mean there's vandalism once in blue moon but I mean I think we're >> but they don't sit there every day commissioner Nelson. >> Oh they can sit there I mean there it's not hard to pattern >> contractor. >> Okay. So so have we decided then the tensil wire three strands is that what
we're going to go with here? >> I would recommend probably route. >> Okay. I just I don't want to. >> And then you have to come up, you know, they all you want to spec out how far you want the posts part too cuz if one's quoting uh every 10 feet and one's quoting every 40t. I mean just come up
with a standard that we want fence the tost every x amount of feet. And I don't know what reasonable would be, but >> I'm sure they would have a good idea which would be and but just have them quote the same distance. >> Okay. Um, I did go out there yesterday too with uh the the township and we
talked about the turnaround at the end a little bit and had a had a continuing conversation. So, we're moving forward with that. I've talked to Steve. I've talked to John about what we're going to do at the end there. Um, and I've got a call in to uh Mike Engum actually just to make sure all this is moving forward.
>> Are we going to reuse the fencing and gates that we have across the road now? Is that reusable? >> Are on the south side? >> Those are swing gates. We don't want swing gates. We need rolling gates. >> You want elevated gates? Elevated rolling gates. So it's not on the ground.
>> Sell them. >> Yeah. Well, >> no. We may we may reuse them in in some spaces. You're talking about the one up by 144. >> You could have a swing gate those areas. >> We just >> that aren't going to be used very often. I mean, I saw some in the original plan. I saw some gating area where I didn't
think needed to be gates. >> Yeah. you know, so maybe you want to use those swing gates in those locations in case I mean instead of a expensive rolling gate, just reuse the swing gates where where they're not in my opinion maybe even needed, but if you want to have an opening there just in case down the road, you got it.
>> Yeah, they just don't work so good in the snow. Once you get a bunch of snow, >> then a swing gate is a problem. And a rolling gate >> just very easy to open and close. Madam Chair, uh the the HHW building that's going to be are are we going to tensil that too or should we, you know, or how
are we going to secure that the same way or do you want to chain link around that? >> I would just cancel it. >> I would too. >> You have gates on the end. >> And then there's gates on those the come in Wednesday, they can pick it up for free anyway. So why would you break in there?
>> Okay. Um, the other thing we discussed was if you've been out there and you know the road about halfway down, we've got that shingle pile. Um, we've discussed about having a turnaround before you get between those trees and the road gets really narrow that
potentially if people do drive that down that road that we don't want driving down there, there will be a turnaround area for them rather than just the 33 ft um in the road turning around in the middle of the road. We have discussed that uh using those shingles as a bed
actually and putting some uh uh gravel on top of it. So there would be kind of a loop that >> you know when you get to the when you get to the crossing where we cross the township road I would probably suggest to look at bringing those gates back farther and not have them right on the
>> they are they have to be back farther because we got to get a semi to load metal every week. So yeah so that would be that would be a turnaround area also. Cor but it okay yeah we to be determined
there. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Any do you have any other thing that you need from us on the fencing? >> The only the only other thing I would um just bring up for this board too on the south end as you know there's a chain link across the property owners and a
gate that's very narrow that I think that's the gate you were talking about. Yes. So, if we're um by virtue of what we're doing um this road is open um I would assume, unless I'm mistaken, which could happen um that that on the south
side that that would just be opened back to the property back there. Correct. And then they determine the rest of how they access back. >> Yeah. And not only opened, it's got to be changed. It's too tight. You can't >> just remove a section. Yeah. Is what you're saying. Some of it's that gate's
got to be wider there. You can't remove the gate, madam. >> We don't have a gate there. It's not our property. It's there. >> Well, there shouldn't be a gate there, but there is now, >> right? We remove it. >> Yeah. I I think we should remove it and also move the fence back because it's
just not wide enough. They're >> they're talking about logging in there. You can't even get a camper in. >> Well, that's they have to get through that pinch point and onto their property if they want to do anything. The 33 feet easement is what is available, >> right? >> Once they get to their line, they can do
they can open it up as much as they want. Correct. Right. And they can put that fence. >> They don't have 33 feet there. >> The the gate's not a 33. >> What I'm saying is that gate will be removed and it'll be 30 feet through the it'll come to a 33 feet width there and
then after and then there's no gate. It's open through there. >> No, that that's not that's not right. the the road in the 198018 road order does not go. We are going to have to grant them an easement to get to wherever we send them to. That the the
road does not take them to their property. >> Not anymore because we took the road out. >> No, the road came around that little slew. That's where the road was. That's what the road order says. We need to get them to their property. >> We do need to get them to their property. >> Now, do we want the corner of the the center section, the middle of the
section? It's wooded. their road. You should drive out there and look. Their road where the gate is is about 25 30 ft off of that. So, we've got to get them to what point? Charlie said just get them to the corner. But Mike had said
that he wanted access. If we take a few more trees out, it won't be a 90 degree turn coming out of that gate that you're talking about. Um, so if we can create some more room there, I mean, that's where their trail is. I mean, if we get them to their quarter the quarter
section line where the where the section line is or the quarter line is, >> it's all wood they're going to have to create. >> Why is it our responsibility to get them to there? Like, let's remove the fence. >> That's what I take the fence up, take the gate, whatever needs to happen. It
is their responsibility to do >> the >> the access that they've been using to get to their property line is all we're providing. >> Correct. >> Yes. So once they get to there, we have a 33 and whether that's, you know, just like any other township road. They're not always on the exact line. So
>> we did, you do know that we destroyed the township road that went right by their property. So we should take this into whatever they've been using for the last 20 years is where their access is. >> We should make it easy for them. That's where the gate is. And that's their
access point to get in and out of there since we took the township road out of there completely. come and ask us for easements and I think we'll accommodate but our legal obligation is to the the existing the existing road to their property line. >> Yeah. And and we do have a little
responsibility since we took the road away that went right by their property. We there's a borrow pit there. >> When when was that? >> Back when we capped the landfill. Nobody asked. They just took the road. It is gone now and it went right past their property. So, I think we should just do
whatever it takes to get them good access to their property. It's not a big deal. We're not using that much. We're going to make a turnaround down there. Let's just do a good job for >> I think we bring them to their property line, the the road that's been used now for the last however many years and and
that's where we go. Now, if they want to do something different, then that's their their request and their and their money then. So, Madame Chair, um, so with the gate, I think what I'm hearing is the gate needs to be removed on the south end and perhaps widened to the
>> It has to be widely ft. >> So, you just basically So, you just basically are widening. >> I think we removed the whole >> 33 ft. >> No, the fence the fence goes to follows 33t easement on the road and then it's and >> yes,
>> so that everything is open through that road and then beyond that then It's just going to be three wire stencil friends. If we want to work something down the road and they need to change want to change, then they then we work the other. >> Well, then we're not that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about the chain link that was put in there >> that's coming out.
>> Well, good. >> I mean, the the fence the the gate >> ends part of the fence, too, because that gate is not >> because it's too narrow. It needs to be at least 33. >> It's just very in and out of there. And it should have never even been put there. Yeah, it we want to that I don't know off hand what it looks like but it
should be stencil fence from that from our gates from our gates to the road stencil fence to the corner stencil fence sides >> so it should be open that's the consensus I'm hearing 33 ft y and down the road it needs to be changed or they want different access then we work with
them and see what they want but right now it's the existing trail to the property line stencil fence 33 ft access on so they have a 33 ft corridor to their property. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> Madam Chair Carrie, do you have clear
direction at this? >> I am hearing we're removing the gate on the south end and opening that wider and that it's open access to them and then beyond that fence they can um do what they will on their property. That's what I'm hearing. >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Varberg, if
that gate stays where it is, remember Mike said he couldn't make that corner to get around. I know that. So if we take out some more tree, if we make that more conducive to come out that gate, would that be a would that be okay? >> I would. >> Charlie said it would yesterday. >> Yeah, that it just make it so they can
get >> so it's not a hard 90° turn. Okay. All right. >> If those two agree, I'm sure the rest of us will agree. >> Jim, I was practicing calmness. Jim, >> I got that from you.
>> Okay. Anything else before we move on to the probation update? >> Good conversation, guys. Thank you. >> All right, so the pro um I have a quick probation. you can come up. But um just uh before they give their presentation, I just wanted to update the board that
um I and Tiara myself and Tiara have met with the uh probation and started talking about cost and we have consulted with Tessa, looked at insurance, you know, and and the cost and we're putting together the final number. So, we should
have that ready to go shortly um for the board to review. as far as looking at community corrections and coming in in house. >> Okay, Madam Chair, that Carrie. Yes. At our next meeting, do you think that's something that we could get all that information and have that is that is my goal dialogue and and maybe make a
decision, but maybe have to push it out another meeting time. So, >> we have that was the biggest thing that we were putting together was the the the grading and the comparable with, you know, our benefits here and the cost of all of that. And we do have all of their
years of service which was provided and putting that you know into where they would fall >> with longevity and all of those things. Yes, >> madam chair and these things are the transfer over is statutoily how they transfer. I mean it's so it's not a
>> it's it's kind of it is what it is. So you can't you can't negotiate that statutoily because these are happening >> they're happening all over now. It's kind of the trend now is getting away from no offense to the state, but it's kind of the look right now. >> Sure. >> Um so that but it is statutoily how that
transitions over. >> Yes. So we have I I think a fairly good um idea and plan after we've uh spoken with Tessa and reviewed these and figured out which positions are um through our primarily Manomomen County
and which ones are ours. And so breaking apart the costs and the insurance and and etc. >> Would we can talk about it next? I was just wondering like with the menomomen, we wouldn't take on menomomen or menomomen would >> we would partner >> we would partner and they would
reimburse us. It's really what we've talked about. >> We're partnered with them. >> So they be >> Yeah. I knew we were partnered with them now but >> correct. >> But they would be responsible for the payment for those. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Yes. >> That's all I have. Thank you. Well, good morning, commissioners.
>> Got 10 minutes. >> 10 minutes. >> Yeah. Well, Peggy, this is you and I now. So, are you ready? >> I'm ready. >> Uh, recently um there has been some discussion in regards to some of the data and a little bit more information
in regards to peer support services um that we're providing in Becker County. And I wanted to come before the board today to give a global perspective first and then I want to get into a perspective as to how Becker County has benefited directly from having peer
support services um uh within our model. And so Commissioner Hansen, uh thank you for the last time. I think you had referenced that you wanted to see some data and data can be boring at times. So I'll take you through uh a little bit of information here, but if at any point
you have questions, just stop me and we'll give you some uh extra clarification. So on your on the first PowerPoint that we have here, this is in regards to our global perspective on how peer support services works and the data that supports the model being an
evidence-based practice. Um right now currently we find that uh because of the studies and everything that I reference is all in studies and research that's already been proven okay in the past and so nothing in regards to this PowerPoint is anything specific to Becker County.
It's all global information. If we have peer support services uh within our communities uh we are 61% more likely for our clients to finish uh outpatient treatment. Okay, that's one of the biggest uh components and when we have
treatment completions that really helps the success of our clients moving forward uh for being successful in the community. Um currently it's 22% versus 43% for the incarc for the reincarceration rate which is the
national average of being reincarcerated at 43% without peer support and 22% with peer support. So it's almost cuts that in half. And when we say reincarceration, that could be either jail time, institution time, etc. And
then on average, what they found out with a large study in Arizona is it did drop the recidivism by our clients or their clients um by up to about 31%. Okay, so having those services in play. Uh next page, um doing more with the
same resources. Um, a a huge part of why we do this is peer support is one of the most cost-effective tools available to address these gaps. And that's why having um the project that we have right now going on has completely helped uh
this for the 70 folks that we have already helped. So unstable housing, job disruption, disengagement from services, etc. the peer support folks that do the the line work meeting with our clients on a day-to-day basis. This is their
work in a nutshell of what they are doing to better the lives of our clients. Okay. Most violations in Minnesota aren't new crimes when they're uh with us on probation. They are typically missed appointments, positive alcohol, drug tests, lost housing, lost
jobs, etc. where we have our peer support specialists helping folks navigate that uh direction in their life. Um Peggy, if I can have the next slide. Uh so trained people walking alongside others. So we have Cassie and we have
James and their their positions are directly tied to what this talks about. And so when we have uh two types in Minnesota, we have our recovery peers and we have our me mental health certified peer specialists. Both of them have those specialists and those
certifications uh that allow them to do this work with our clients. Uh one-on-one mentoring, uh going with clients to treatment, court, probation appointments, connecting with clients, re-engaging after a missed appointment or relapse, building a bridge between the client and the agent.
That's another thing that's been really big within our office is having that triangular relationship, peer support, client, agent all on the same page. Uh, next slide if you could. Again, this comes down into the actual study of 61% difference. So if we look
at this um one of the analogies that I wanted to give you guys in regards to the research is it's like the difference between what's on the board here flipping a a fair coin which is not weighted on either side. Peer support tilts the odds towards success. Not a guarantee but it's
meaningful measurable shift in completely the right direction. Whereas, if you flipped a weighted coin, most of the time, 61% of the time, it'll fall to the weighted side versus the other one where it would just be 50/50. Okay, next slide if you could. >> That's a confusing analogy because
you're saying you're saying it's it's a 50/50 chance. No, it's 61. You're So, it's actually 61% greater, not not 11% greater. >> Correct. Correct. >> So, that >> Yep. it that study the the metadata that comes in that study is kind of different
uh when you truly look to analyze it. So yeah, but it is a it is a large difference. Uh what the research shows I already said this on the first one. What's the exciting part for us when I did pull this is 17% versus 33%. So a
reduction in technical violations. This is where the county um really gets the bang for their buck when we're not putting folks in jail for technical violations on supervision. Okay, the day in, the day out, the uh calls to law enforcement to come and assist with the
clients who aren't doing what they're supposed to be doing, etc. This is where the peer support model really fits in nicely. And so, we have seen that shift here in Becker, and I'll I'll talk about that um on the next PowerPoint. So, >> what are some of the technical violations that would land someone back
in jail by >> um just like that one slide, missed appointments, uh positive UAS, um not following through on conditions, um restitution, not being paid, >> they usually get put in jail if they miss those or
>> sometimes, you know, if it goes two, three, four times, you know, we have to take another step. But for the most part, we try to do what we can without using jail. Um, and then these folks come in and have that nice buffer as well. So
with peer support, higher rates of finishing treatment, lower reincarceration, fewer rearrests, better connection to medical care and housing, more stable jobs, uh higher hope, motivation and engagement, earlier disclosure of problems, whereas the
agents can step in earlier when there is an issue between uh the client, reporting that to their peer support specialist. Without peer support, it's somewhat the opposite of that. Okay, so that kind of gives you a global take on that.
Same thing as before uh with our case planning initiatives that we have ongoing right now. um they have been a huge support on that especially within our case plan road map which we'll explain to you in the future but uh they help us navigate the client through the road map with um supporting the the
processes and steps within the road maps itself aligns with our risk needs responsivity uh elements that we incorporate into our daily practices. Uh we know that it's cost-effective. Opioid settlement funds and Medicaid billable
opportunities in Minnesota do exist. Um because we can grow the capacity of peer support without actually growing this entire unit. Um if we have the folks like James and Cassie that are doing what they're doing, that's two staff um with that can be very effective for a
very low cost. Cuts down on violations, improves coordination, and builds long-term success with the client. And next one. So proven, funded, and ready um for improving treatment completion, reducing violations, and strengthening
re-entry and support within the community. That's what peer support does. um in a global nutshell in regards to what it does. This was all the information on why we want to use this type of model, why it's replicated across the country, and why it's
important that um we feel that um it's been such a key to our success over the last year as as for what they have done with the last 70ome folks that are on our supervision. The next PowerPoint We did it.
>> We did it. >> All right. >> Direct impact for Becker County. So, the PowerPoint that I'm going to take you through right now reverts back to last September when we started with peer support, the peer support project uh for
with the F5 project. This is direct data in regards to how things are going as of just the other day. Okay. Um currently we have served they have served 70 participants. 84 referrals have been received and we've been doing this for
approximately 8 months. And I want to highlight that 100% of the funds that have come through the opioid settlement uh grant for them has been directly tied to Becker County. Okay. So, these next slides you'll see is where the money is going and what we're doing for services
here. Again, same thing as like what I said before, housing, employment, recovery, and law enforcement. Uh, keeping folks away from law enforcement and out of trouble, uh, helping with their recovery. Um, assisting with employment
opportunities, providing safe housing, uh, referrals, etc. Um, active participants. uh we had up to 70, total referrals was 84, and we have 20 that are actually extended into the community. So, our F5 uh staff drive all
over within Becker County. It's not a it's not just a you're in Detroit Lakes, you have to come here. So, folks are on the road, mileage, uh travel, all that kind of stuff goes into their day um at any time, any hour. So, that's been kind of interesting to watch as well. Next,
uh slide. So, where does every dollar go? The total grant budget that the opioid settlement uh fund provided this project was $216,000. An important piece with this was 0% of those dollars went to administrative
costs and 100% of it goes to Becker County. So, for our two and a half, we had uh another staff on as a peer support. Um but she was only with us for about 4 months. that total we budgeted
147500,000 for. So if you divide that by that 2 and a half that gives you that uh basically that salary where they're at with benefits etc. The travel cost that has been put into the budget was $30,000. The operating supplies of 16,000 which
is office insurance uh software general supplies for the Becker County office etc. There is a breakdown of what that consists of and then other gap funding. So this is the information here where the gap funding that we put into the grant or they did
was to truly give back to the client from the grant dollars themselves. So IDs, hygiene, uh work attire, uh housing fees, phones, etc. I've got a breakdown here if we want to go through that, but
there's a lot of there's a lot of itemized things in there that uh really puts justification as to what is directly going back to the client when they're working with them. And so if if we want to go through that uh we can today. Um next one if you could.
Uh this is another piece here. So gap funding if you had questions on that. So it's our basic needs. It's uh I assistance with IDs, birth certificates, hygiene, uh phones, um 35minute phone cards, etc. Enabling uh participants to
receive employer phone calls so that and they can also contact our agents, etc. Emergency hotel costs, uh work attire, transportation. Um so as of right now for that account, we have spent 13,000 and I believe it
was budgeted for 23. So actually we're um still under what was uh requested. Next one. These are the outcomes so far. So you're going to notice that um anything over 70% is what we want to see. The purple,
green, and blue lines um represent housing recovery and law enforcement. So whether they had law enforcement contact or not have stayed out of trouble, etc. And then the employment piece, you see a little dip there. We believe that relates to um some winter um issues,
etc. Um folks not being able to get to work or whatever other issues that they had. But anything over 70 uh% on this chart is um a very good thing for us to see. Um even as uh the participant counts grew eight times from what we
initially had in September, this is the work. This is the data that's coming back in regards to the success of their program. Next one. See, you're supposed to read my >> uh most recent outcomes. Uh 51 out of
the 59 folks uh that this is current. As of right now, we have 59 folks that are on with us. um 86% have maintained their housing. 48 out of 59 80 81% have maintained their employment. Recovery 52 of 59 and then law enforcement uh
contact or no um has been 54 out of the 59 folks that we have right now has had zero contact with law enforcement. That's a big piece. Um so that gives you some of that information. >> And for this too, this is where your goal is that 70. >> Yes.
>> 70%. >> Correct. Yep. Yep. Absolutely. Next one. Got it. So again, more uh participants and sustained results. This is all the information from last September, the monthly participants served increase,
etc. And then you find out month by month in regards to how we're doing with our client load, their client load, etc., and the support that these 59 are uh folks that are getting right now. And next, same thing, positive outcomes that are created, finding local landlords on
behalf of participants. These are all the things that Cassie and James do for us here in Becker County. Um, you can go to the next slide and it kind of incorporates into this um some of the stories that we hear. I'm just going to give you one for an example. A participant in active addiction was
running from warrants tied to past trauma through consistent peer support. James and Cassie. Uh she built enough trust and safety to fe uh face her fears, turning herself in on her own terms, checking herself into treatment, and is now working hard at her recovery.
That's a measurable piece that if I actually go and speak with the agent and uh peer support specialist, they could give me a full story as to what really is happening behind the scenes. And just seeing that she's continuing to work hard at recovery and she completed
treatment or is looking into completing it. Um, those are the situations that we want to see in here. Next one. And next one. And next one. Perfect. 100% why this investment
matters. 100% of funds directly serves Becker County residents. Zero administrative overhead build to the grant at any time. 70% 70 participants served across eight months with outcomes sustained above 75%. As their case loads have scaled uh nearly nine times the
size as original. Um every dollar of gap funding is documented purposeful and bridges the gaps where no other community resources exist. I can't tell these clients just go find a free cell phone someplace with a 35minute phone
card that they can use. There's nobody out there that necessarily does that for these folks. I I can't give them a gas card. You know, there's a lot of incentives that um that come along with working with a project like this that our clients haven't had before. Peer
support works. Participants who've lived the experience build trust faster and deeper and often have lasting change. And the results also are showed in reunited families, uh, their first jobs, housing stability, and probation completion outcomes that reduce our
public costs here in Becker County. So, one of the things that I want to make real clear is I keep going back to this 100% of the funds, the grant is paying for the likes of what Cassie and James and Michelle
do. Um, it's not in regards to the F5 corporate conglomerate funds that it takes to support that agency. The work that comes from Cassie and James and previously Michelle is all dedicated
funds that directly is helping our 70 clients within the community and currently 59 right now. So, I want uh I'm I'm asking the board just to know that um without this information being out there before, there may have been a
lack of understanding in regards to where does that $216,000 go. And so, I think it's a a pertinent thing for us to bring to you today to explain what peer support is as a whole and how it's affecting Becker County. So, >> Madame Chair, um, you know, Wade and
Brian come to the the sheriff's committee and we thought, you know, with the scale of fraud in the in the government in the higher governments, we thought it would be, you know, because we want to make sure we're watching the funds also and and I thought this would be great or we thought this would be great for the board to hear and for us to get more educated and
>> um I think the community needs to see these successes also. So, >> yep. and and thank you for having us come and and present this as well. I think it's helpful to have this granular information. Sometimes, you know, if you
really look at what's behind the scenes in regards to the costs that are incurred, when I looked at it from the fraud lens, there's all the money. There's where it's all going. It it was eye opening to me too to see that everything is uh on
the up and up especially with um Amanda's unit over at human services who also plays a check and balance. So if I can um it's up to you uh commissioners um I believe uh Adam Martin uh F5 project and I believe he
reached out to Commissioner Hansen and Carrie possibly if uh if you would allow him maybe five 10 minutes. >> Yeah. I do have a question for you though Brian. Yeah. Do you have like what the numbers were prior to F5 coming in? Like were you at that 70%, were you at the 80%, were you struggling to stay
at 70% or did you even keep that data? >> We don't. So, and that's a good question. So, this is in regards to what how peer support helped those. >> Yep. >> We don't necessarily keep that information from like a data collect. Okay. >> Um, >> that's a good question, you know, and in
regards to like future, you know, as to where we go with this. Um it just let's just say for instance F5 isn't part of this. >> Um that's some of the information that we would look to keep collecting >> and maybe even having um a continued
peer support model uh that's still with this where maybe that is important data for us to keep uh keep for us to sharing. So >> I mean I do think peer support is um super important and helpful for those to
be successful. So it would just be good The qualitative stories are nice and and we love them, but the the quantitative numbers are really helpful when it comes to saying we know that this works because we have these numbers.
>> That's where our funding should go. So just that would be helpful. >> Well, and Madam Chair, moving forward, we should have that evidence. This peer support is working. We should have the numbers. I mean, you have recidivism rates and everything from past. So I
mean that should loosely translate the sheriff's department the sheriff should say hey I I notice a difference so we should see it in other areas. >> It does we we track >> other things for data that is fully related to recidivism and so if we put
those together there will be some correlation to it. >> Um and I can give you a full breakdown of every >> client in Becker County but it's it's specifically tied to these 70. >> Yep. right now where the data is uh is being used. So, um
yeah. Yeah. >> Anything else for Brian? >> No. Well, before he goes, I did want to touch on B a little bit to backtrack to um if we do look at going to the community corrections model. >> Um if we do that, you know, I think it's
important to have buy in and and and work together really well, not only here, but the courts too. Um, Wright County is going through this and they're having some issues and I think um, partially because they had PTO time like instead of that translates different,
but I don't know if they had everyone on board and and I did reach out to court administration and I and saying, you know, as a commissioner saying, you know, if you if the judges have a meeting or they had a meeting and so I talked to the court administer and said, if if you have questions or concerns, please, you know, get with us and I
think Carrie's reached out to them and I and I know you guys have. So they've had that discussions also. So the judges hopefully are looking at this and seeing if there is any concerns that they'll we can get those early on in that if we do transition. So >> um
>> we've spoke with um we've had individual meetings with all of our stakeholders around this. Um and so just more of an awareness type of thing than anything and it's support either way that the county decides. Yeah. So, I think it's important to reach out to to these. And >> Madame Chair, Commissioner Nelson, um
I'm really out of the loop on this. So, you said this community corrections model, there's a transition. So, you guys are state employees now, right? And the community >> corrections model, that's you would take them in-house. That's what's kind of happening.
>> Well, that's for that's what we're looking at. >> We're looking at considering it. >> And it would be all the same employees, right? that just and there's a transition state statute to say how they do transition over. So, but that will be discussed at our our next couple meetings. So, >> okay. At sheriffs
>> in the board >> in the board meeting. Okay. >> I have to answer to you. >> When does this decision have to be made on this? >> It doesn't have to ever be made. We can I mean it's something that can be made at any time. >> There's no >> but with budgeting it would make sense for us to do it as of January. We're
going to do it. >> We're going to do it. We should do it sooner than later. >> Right. >> I think those are questions we can ask when we dive into a little deeper. >> And I remember in our last meeting um sorry, >> no, I'm done. >> Um you had mentioned a workshop. >> Um
>> oh, work session. >> A work session. >> Yeah. >> So I didn't know. >> How about um May >> 26 26. >> Another one. >> 8:30. >> Yeah. Do is can we >> we have a work session planned from May
26th at um >> 8:30 >> 8:30 now to no now might maybe two hours instead of the hour and a half that we originally >> or three hours instead of the two that we discussed you folks have >> it'd be something to touch base with maybe at that >> it seems like a really big decision I think we should all of us should be
pretty well versed >> yeah that's what that's why we said we wanted all the boards for doing that thanks for coming in Adam, >> introduce yourself. I don't think everybody knows you here. I came to some of the meetings, so I >> Okay. >> Well, he's been here before.
>> He's been here before. >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh, madam chair, fellow commissioners, uh, my name is Adam Martin. I'm the founder and CEO of FI Project. Um, we've been doing services with, uh, probation for the last nineish
months. uh providing peer support. Uh we also provide uh peer support all over North Dakota. So we have over 50 employees uh four to five transitional houses or apartment buildings. Um youth programs, Native American culture
programs. Uh we have two major contracts with the state of North Dakota called Free Through Recovery and Community Connect. Um that is probably 80% of our funding through, you know, for all the staff. Um, and so we're not,
this isn't just what we do here, right? We're everywhere, right? Um, the reason I'm here today is that there was some mention of uh myself on the last commission meeting that I got clipped and sent to me and I think there's probably a lot of questions of what's going on with the environment of FI
project. Um, we've been pretty quiet since January when the media released uh some articles about us. And when I say media, I mean one journalist. No one else picked it up. Um there was a lot of a lot of opinion in that and so uh and
the information that they found about us was us being transparent with our information on our 990s. There was nothing hiding. There was no scandal. There was no fraud, right? 2024 was a wild year for us. We went uh in 2022
2023 we skyrocketed in employees. We went from like 10 employees to 50 to 60 within a year uh based off uh the services that we were providing on those contracts. With that, we grew really fast and there was a lot of things that we that uh we didn't put in place. We
didn't have policies. We didn't, you know, we went through board members. We went through, you know, people saying things on social media and media saying stuff about us. And we were just kind of traveling through that. Um at the end of 2023, I went through some personal difficulties. um pretty much a divorce,
put my dog down. Um you know, we in 2024 we lost half our revenue with the state. And so when when it on face value, it looks like we were misappropriate misappropriating funds. And really in reality, what it was is we lost 300
referrals and we lost half of our revenue. And I don't know if it was the right decision or not. We're still here today, >> right? I went out and took out loans. I took out loans from the banks that pay for payroll to keep my staff on while we
were doing that. That made it look even worse. Okay, I took the risk. There was people that told me not to do it and I did it anyways. And my hope was is that we would navigate through that with enough of that that loan money to keep that staff on to get back to where we
were because that's what we told what we were told was going to happen. it hap it took longer and so it was inevitable we had to do layoffs and so 2024 looks horrible and then in 2025 Jenna chief operations
officer came on who knows what she's doing and she put policies in place and helped me with the layoffs and helped me get the pl you know everything back into where we were where we had a $750,000 swing and became profitable in 2025. You
haven't seen that yet because that's not public yet, right? Um, and so going back, I took some payroll advances in the beginning of 2024. I did my research. I talked to people
and from my understanding, it was fine. It wasn't loans. There was no zero interest loans. I paid taxes on everything that I've I've I've gotten. And I've never made more or less because of the loans. I paid them back through um payroll deductions over a period of time. And at the end of 2024, there was
still money left over. We had to account for it and be transparent about it. There was only one place on the 990 to put that. That's where we put it. Uh at face value, people were being spoonfed information about what that was and they decided to write an opinion piece on me.
I said, "I think they hit these." Um, regardless, looking back, I wouldn't have done it again had I known what this where we'd be at today. I made a mistake. And we have policies
in place to ensure that that will never happen again. Um, and uh, and we've been navigating it ever since. And the reason that I was quiet, these articles came out in January. It's May. I've said nothing other than the two commissioners
that came to the committee meeting. The reason I've said nothing is that I've been taking opinions from legal, from PR, from the board of directors, and looking back, I wish I would have said something sooner. Um, so I'm here today to tell you, uh, I'm sorry that it came
to this. I'm sorry that I made a decision back in 2024 that uh has created uh just a hostile view of myself and I will do like I have been for the last couple
years everything uh I can to repair that reputa reputation. One of the things that I did is I did go out and take out a personal loan at 10% and paid off the rest of that. And so all monies that was ever used for a payroll advance has been paid back. Um we have a full board of
directors. Our license as a nonprofit is fully established. Uh a house that Scott and myself bought um uh to house um uh registered offenders. The reason that we did that is because no one else was willing to do it. and we had an opportunity to contract with the state
of North Dakota and help with that revenue and get us back to where we were at. So Scott and I took a risk. We bought the property and then transferred it to F5. F5 owns that property now. We have no properties that we're renting to F5. Money's been paid back. The house
has been transferred. We have a full board of directors. We have policies put in place. And we've been good stewards of every single grant in every contract. And every dollar has been accounted for. And so I just wanted to come and say my piece because I know a decision is going to come soon about if F5 is going to
continue in this. And I assure you that you know Cassie and James man if there was a World Series or a Super Bowl for peer support services, they would win it every year and I will back them every day of the week. So if you decide not to use F5, take them and
put them on staff. So uh I appreciate your time. Uh, and I'm I'm open to be as transparent as I possibly can uh with any questions you may have. >> Madam Chair, thank you for coming here. Um, when this when I first was aware of
that and and I I never thought there was anything I mean, I read the articles and I and how I interpreted as I it's it was a poor poor business decision, but I didn't see anything criminal, you know, it's just it's intermingling that is is a difficult line to walk. Um, so I did,
you know, you have those concerns, but I tell you, Brian and Wade are selling your program more than more than anything else. I mean, they are so I mean, and that's who we have to rely on. So, in the last in the previous committee meetings, they answered the questions that that we had in our in
sheriff's committee. Um, so we were very satisfied and that's but we want the public to see too that we are looking at these things and we are confident that this relationship is doing well. So that's why we said maybe show every show show the board and the community that we
believe this is still a good project. So um were there questions? Absolutely. I mean if I would be a fool to say that we just we don't have didn't have any concerns on that. I mean but I did not ever think that there was any malice in your in what you're doing. I
thought it was it looked like to me just difficult decisions that you had to make at the time and and they weren't probably in the they don't like you said they don't look real good if you see them on the surface. But thank you for the explanation. I wish your board well and I mean following these policies in
the future and and uh I I think the numbers that were shown here today show show that they're very successful. So um I'm hopeful that we continue this relationship and and as we move forward. So, but thanks again for coming here. And Brian can show the numbers and show
how good it is, but you know, sometimes you we've all made dumb decisions. I mean, or made >> we could have made better decisions. Well, I've made more than my share. I can tell you that. So, thank you. Thank you for for being here. >> Yeah. Thank you for coming. Appreciate it.
>> And and yours isn't a is a difficult job. I mean, and even with your employees, the stress that you guys have, just like our human services, because you're not all successful, and you get you get emotionally tied to clients, and when they fail, it it it
hurts. And uh so, thank you for all the employees that work for you, too. Um they're not easy jobs. So, thank you, >> Madam Chair. Adam, thank you for coming in. I I'm glad this this worked out and you could present that. I'm really glad you you mentioned the housing because that was a question that I was going to
ask and thank you for for answering that. Thank you. >> I just want to say and I I say it every time Brian comes. I know how important that peer support is and and the clients that we work with having a person and and F5 is providing that person for for
our clients in Becker County. So, I appreciate the the work that your team is doing. >> Yeah, I I appreciate we I greatly appreciate it. Well, I I remember when you guys were at the city off uh city police station, we had that first meeting that I was I was impressed and
I'm still impressed. So, >> Madam Chair, if I may, >> um the relationship uh and this is the feel-good stuff and and worth it, but the relationship that we have with the F5 project has been nothing but
amazing. Okay. I have asked Adam to come to this uh forum commissioner meetings on many occasions when this broke >> because of the relationship and when I see in the paper that Becker County is
named in a thing that's not even relevant to us because of the uh tie with the FI program and it says specifically Becker County probation. That was a worry for me. Okay, I I I want to make it real clear that that was
a worry for me at the moment. >> And when Adam and everybody else um started to provide the information behind the scenes, it started to make more sense. Adam didn't come here today without a little bit of Brian pressure,
I think, to say now is the time because Commissioner Nelson, Jeepson, all of you deserve the answers to know the stuff that we knew. but he was taking advice from his counsel to not say the simple thing that he just gave you here today.
And so sometimes that stuff can kind of get in the way. And I I my biggest piece is I didn't want their silence to continue this trend of well if they're not saying anything so something's out there, >> right? That that's our biggest thing with this. And
>> I do want to specifically thank Adam and his team for continuing to do what he does for Becker County. because this is gamecher for probation. It just is. >> And I think that's what we saw at our at our sheriff's committee meeting, the the
on the behind the behind the scenes that nobody else here. We heard some of these things before today and and uh we we just wanted Brian to show the success of this program so the community sees the success of F5 in Becker County. So, and we and and he's here by on his own. I
mean, we didn't ask F5 to present today because that, you know, that's but thank you for being here again and uh supporting that this program because it it uh it is as we see the numbers, it's doing great. So, >> and we are the first county in in Minnesota that that they they are
working with. So, um I'm happy and proud to be that pilot project for the state and hope that you can grow in Minnesota just the same as as you have in North Dakota. So, >> Madam Chair, it's not only that. It's the first peer support model that's directly in a probation office.
>> Typically, it's tied with human services >> where it's a totally separate piece. This is the first. >> That's why I get the corrections chills of how cool this is of an opportunity that's been provided to us by all of you. I I have said this I think I said it at one of the meetings I don't
remember where that every year at the the AMC um annual conference they recognize counties for projects that are unique and I I really do believe that this is one that >> um we should throw our hat in the ring
to to try to get that award because I do I do think that this is a project that we need to be proud of and and talk about the good work that we're that you are doing, not us, that you guys are doing in Becker County. So
>> again, thanks, Adam. Um, I know I know it's hard sometimes to keep quiet, you know, and and not and not re retaliate, Richard. Um, but >> see what I have to figure out. >> But it's it's the best
>> put a fence between you. It is the best. It's the best policy to to let time lapse and then you can show more facts and show, you know, and it just it just it makes you a better person and makes you a stronger person getting through these these events. So,
>> yeah, I appreciate that. I'm just really grateful I'm not a township road >> does cause some controversy around here. Do you think um three wire or four wire stencils? >> Well, I'm going to go back to the last couple months. I have no opinion.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right, Amanda, come on down. >> Want to take a break? >> Or we're going to take a break? >> I would take a break. >> I would request to have a break, please. >> All right, we'll be back in five minutes. Five minutes. >> Yeah, it's been five minutes.
>> Six minutes. >> All right. >> Welcome, Amanda. >> Do you need to get your water? >> Peggy, you have my PowerPoint. >> Just a quick one. Okay. >> Send me a bottle of water. I'm Amanda from public health. We've all
met before and just wanted to bring this um information education just to see if you have any questions. I know we've talked in the safety committee about potentially having a policy to have Narcan stored with our next to our AEDs.
So, there's been some questions about that and um what what is it and so I just wanted to just kind of go over that and see if you have any further questions. Next slide. So, who can be affected and why does
Nlloxxone matter? So, Nlloxxone and Narcan, same thing. So, I might I'll probably refer to it as Narcan in this presentation. Um what do you picture? So, opioid overdoses can happen to anyone, all ages, backgrounds. We have
elderly forgetting that they took their pain medication. Uh, we have children that get into grandpa and grandma's or mom and dad's medication and take it and overdose. So, it's not people that are illegal always
doing illegal substance. It's it can happen to anyone. Um, so >> how many how many pills would it take to be have that negative effect? >> Just depends on the person. >> I mean, could it if you're if you have an a prescription for one, if you happen
to take one and then forget in an hour and take another one, would that I mean, I I have no idea. >> It would depend on your body weight, how you can metabolize it, have you taken that before, what's your tolerance? So there's many factors, but if a child got
into it, could be very quick for an overdose. Um, so does Nlloxxone enable our community members, does that say, oh, we have Nlloxxone, that's a safety net. I can use more. No, there is no research
showing that Nlloxxone enables people to use more substance. that it it it does not show that it increases opioid misuse. Um, nlloxxone saves lives. It's a harm
reduction tool. Um, think of it as like seat belts or epipens. We don't need it always on a daily basis. Well, we do use our seat belts daily, but >> I was going to say I'm only going to use a seat belt when I'm going to have a crack. >> We do,
>> but in epipens, but it's critical in an emergency. >> Hope Shane sees that. Yes, we do use our seat belts daily. >> I'm not I'm not having a crash today, so it's not in there. >> Yeah, that shouldn't have been in there. So, okay, next slide.
>> Just wanted to make sure you're paying attention. Um, drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the US. So, approximately 75% of fatal overdoses involve opioids. So since 2000 over
800,000 people have died from an opioid overdose. So about one person every 9 minutes. >> Do you see that number going down in the >> Yes. Yep. >> Five years now. Is that >> Yep. And we'll cover that on the next slide. So um this doesn't affect
everyone equally. So we could have um someone of different color using at the same rate as someone a white person and they would have higher likelihood for an overdose than we would
because of the inequities. So that's important to remember too. Next slide. Minnesota statistics. Uh yes, we are seeing a 32% decrease
from 2023, but it is still uh considered a public health problem. Um we're more are treated at the community level and not reported. So some of these numbers aren't even in the data of overdoses if they're reversed
with Narcan. Next slide. So, um, with with the Becker County Sheriff's Office data and their permission for us to share this, um, it's helping to decrease fatal overdoses
in Becker County. In the last year, the sheriff's office along with White Earth, Detroit Lakes Police Department, Frezy, they responded to 29 overdoses. So, that's a decrease from previous years. And we have increased access to Nlloxxone. So, it's decreasing calls for
overdoses. It is proven to save lives. Next slide. So what is an opioid? So it's the type of drug that interacts with the brain and body to reduce perception of pain. Um common examples you have your heroin,
oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codin, fentanyl. Next slide. So and then synthetics are man-made substances that mimic natural opioids. It's cheaper to make. As you can see in
the picture there, u these substances, the very little bit to cause an overdose. Fentanyl, it's 50 times stronger than heroin, 100 times stronger than morphine. We're seeing a lot of counterfeit pills have fentanyl in
there, and people don't know it. And that's you don't need a lot to have an overdose. So the synthetic opioids are they are they the man >> illegal? Are they talking man-made? Yep.
So fatal so fatal dose of that of fentanyl can be as little as 2 milligrams. So you can see in the picture just very little fentanyl to have a potential lethal overdose. >> Oh yeah. The fentanyl is the illegal. >> Yep.
>> Okay. >> Unless you're in the hospital when getting it. Yeah. >> No, but I was thinking it's the fentanyl that's that's the that's the >> you're seeing that a lot with the counterfeit pills. >> Next slide. >> I was I was told in college that pure
heroin is not addictive and it's not as harmful, but it's the impurities in it. >> There was a radical professor I had in justice. >> Okay. >> What year was that? 19 uh 90 or 80 88
>> I'll Google it though. >> Okay. >> So what is an overdose? So when a person takes too many opioids they their breathing slows down. As their breathing slows they become unconscious. That's when we start we that's the important
window to give them the naran nlloxxone before the heart stops. Um slow breathing causes oxygen levels to drop, starts damaging the heart and brain. Left untreated, the they will stop breathing. Um heart will stop and then
at that point they'll need CPR. So hopefully that doesn't get to that point. Next slide. Signs and symptoms. Again, unconscious, unresponsive, hard to wake up, slow shallow breathing, difficult breathing,
slow heart rate, skin discoloration, small pinpoint pupils. Next slide. So, what is nlloxxone? So, it's a medication that's been around for many, many years, and it actually knocks the
opioid off the receptors of the brain and sticks to that receptor. So it removes the effects of the opioid on the brain. Um so the breathing can be restored. So it will have no harm on anyone if if it's not an opioid
overdose. So if I were to sit here today and take it, it would not harm me. Um there's no potential for addiction or abuse of Narcan. It's very rare that there would be an allergy. Of course, the benefit would outrisk the um would
outweigh the risk of an allergy and it lasts for about 30 to 90 minutes. So it they can they may need a second dose if help doesn't arrive by that time. Hopefully first responders would be present by
that time and it can be given at for any age also. How much is a dose of dark hair? >> How much is it? >> Yeah, >> it's about $18 to $20. >> No, no, no. How much is the dose? >> 2 milligram.
>> Okay. >> Yep. And two two two doses come in one box. >> Mhm. >> Next slide. So, how to respond? Try to wake them up. Yell their name. Gently shake their shoulder. Rub their chest. First thing,
call 911. >> Um, give rescue breaths. um give Nlloxxone if they begin to breathe, lay them on their side, stay with them um until EMS arrives.
Next slide. So, Steve's law, it's important to remember that there's uh Minnesota Good Samaritan law and called Steve's law in Minnesota. Uh you're not going to get in trouble for giving it. They can't sue
you for it. Um, someone giving Nlloxxone faces no civil liability for outcomes related to giving it. This law encourages people to help. There's also criminal immunity. So, person experiencing the overdose and the person
calling 911, they don't they won't face charges for the use. So, it this law helps to encourage people to call for somebody to get help. They're not going to get into trouble. Next slide.
So current recommendation according to the American Medical Association and National Safety Council, it should be stored um near AEDs. So that's where the question came up. I know Carrie um in safety committee it was brought up a
couple times maybe over the last year to have a county Narcan policy. Um, so looking at would we want to store them next to our AEDs in the county buildings and the re current recommendation is yes
to have them stored next to your AEDs and it is also part of CPR class now too. the M 2020 uh 2025 American Heart Association
updated their CPR guidelines to include opioid response and Narcan with the course. Next slide. And you might wonder where how would we store that next to the AED boxes? We
have there is a storage box called the one box. Very simple. Um, I would have some money in a budget, um, in our cannabis substance use prevention budget. I do have it in that budget line, um, to purchase some of these one
boxes. Um, and it has two doses, two bo two doses of the Narcan in there. Um, CPR, um, breathing barrier, gloves. When you open the box up, it actually is a video telling you the ex exact instructions of
what to do. >> Madame Chair, uh I thought we had talked, you said that Narcan was free. I thought we had talked >> the box, the storage box, this box. We're not talking about the product. We're talking so it to put it on the
wall when somebody Yes. If somebody takes it down, opens it up, it says, "First, take a deep breath. This is an emergency. Call 911." Then it walks you through the exact steps of what to do and it has your all of your supplies in
there that you need. >> This is it a video or is it just a >> It's a video. Yes. >> You open that up and there's a video in there. >> Yep. You can play the YouTube video if you want. It's >> just to give you an example of what it looks like.
>> Madam Chair, Commissioner Barber, you know the AED, it it's got where you once you pull them out, it says let things charge or something like it kind of gives you the >> gives you exact directions. But if you suspect an overdose, this >> would be an additional tool that you
could use. Will it play, Peggy? >> If it doesn't, you just open it up and pull the tab down and the video plays. There's a lady on the video that's talking. >> That's right. We don't need to see it. >> Okay. >> It's two minutes. No,
>> that's what it looks like just of the lady talking. You can fast forward it a little bit and see how the stuff the two boxes are in there and then she'll pull that open and there's a video
and those boxes are $150 a piece and there will be there will be a red tab on there so you can tell if it's been opened. It's easy to open. Madame Chair Carrie, how many AEDs do we have campuswide of all of our
>> I don't know the number, but we just bought a bunch to make sure that they were throughout the building. So, if I were to quickly guess, I would say 20. Well, no, we have all the sheriff's department, too, that Well, they already are stocked with this, so that's probably not a good example, but
stationary, if I were to guess, I would say 20 something. That's a pretty good guess. >> Okay. >> Are the boxes reusable? >> The one box? Yes.
>> If it's been opened, then you would just >> fill it back up. >> Fill it back up and put the red tab back on. >> So, when you're walking by, you can see that it hasn't been open for whoever's doing the checks with the AED checks. >> Yep. That's maintenance.
>> Y. Next slide. I think that's all I had. So I that was short, but I wanted just to bring a background of what are opioids, what's an overdose, what's Narcan, how do we use it, what's
the current recommendation for storing with next to AED, and what our next steps could be with going with the safety committee for discussion. Any questions for Mando
or suggestions for next steps? >> I would suggest to put in a grant application to the opioid settlement monies for the boxes. >> For the boxes? >> Well, I do have them already under another grant that I would be able to purchase.
>> Well, bring it through your committee. >> Mhm. I if madam chair um I know this has been talked about at the safety committee and Amanda had already alluded to this. So if you're looking for next steps for consideration by this board I would
suggest that we look at a the policy >> yes and vet that through the appropriate committees and bring that before the board if that's um unless there's something different. >> Is it timely the for the grant to purchase those
>> what grant? So, our current cannabis substance use prevention grant, we have 2025 dollars that rolled over into 2026 that we have to spend by June 30th. >> June 3. Yes, I >> So, I think that I could go ahead and
purchase the boxes and have them. >> Well, I think we >> and be prepared for it even if we don't have a policy in place. But, I mean, thereund >> Madam Chair, you better work on the policy and have it all together before you spend the money. It's three grand, but for if we have 20 boxes, 150 bucks,
but still. >> Yes. >> Fast track. >> I I I think the policy should become before >> you have that till the end of June to purchase them, you said. >> Yeah. So, we won't have a policy by that time. >> Sure, you could. Why? >> Yeah, we could. Why wouldn't you? >> Yeah. Okay.
>> Yeah. No, I I don't think it's I mean, there's policies out there. It's it's we wouldn't have >> let me do some checking to see if I if I can get it into this 2026 grant. I can always do a a revision of some
>> Yeah, you and I can have a discussion and um again I think the policy and the purchase maybe should go hand in hand is what agreed. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thanks, Amanda. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right, Steve. Morning.
>> Morning. >> Morning, Steve. Uh, >> have a request to hire a full-time truck driver. >> Here's some more additional background information. Put in the packet. >> Thanks. >> Thanks, Steve.
as we've talked about in the past, uh we began a source separate organics program and also uh the last number of years the the county solid waste the the just because of economic activity and whatnot the the amount of solid waste generated in the
county slowly been increasing. Also, the waist stream has changed. In the past, we used to have a lot more glass, paper, those types of products that were heavy. Part of our recycling program uh has is the commodities we collect has
changed. We get a lot more cardboard than we were used to. Same thing with plastic and metal. And as a result, the tonnages that we actually collected for recycling has been relatively flat. But the amount of time that you spend servicing our dump sites or drop sites
has went up because we're collecting a lot more cardboard than we used to. And that's just >> Thank you, Amazon. >> Exactly. uh year-over-year. If I looked at the same time frame last year to this year through the middle of April, we we're collecting 40 tons more, which doesn't
sound like a lot until you're picking it up with a truck and and you know, a ton of cardboard takes a lot more to pick up and service than a ton of glass or paper. So, our costs to service our public recycling sites has went up. And then we
also got into the source separated food program, which is growing. Uh we have a number of businesses that have started doing that as well as at our public drop sites and that's been successful. When we started last fall, the first collections we were at about 3/4 of a ton. Now we're collecting two and a half
tons a week and I expect that to continue to to increase. And what it's done is it's allowed people that participate in and do that particularly in the cities or where there's uh more population. By doing that they're reducing their
waist stream. They're recycling more. Some of them I've heard people cutting out their trash service just because of that they can bring in a bag occasionally to the our transfer station site. And so they're cutting out cost. Currently we have uh our for transfer
drivers. We have one full-time driver. We have two recycling truck drivers that are out there uh 40 hours a week. We have one driver that we move around depending on when we need them either as a transfer driver in the summertime because most weeks in the summer we have
two drivers hauling waste sometimes three day three days a week or three drivers and we our backup has been to use our mechanic or our managers. And as you can see in here in this information I gave you 2024,
we paid out 382 hours of overtime and that increased up to 739 last year and I expect that to increase and it's part because of the way that our solid waste stream where we dispose of it. We we send about 11,000 tons a
year to the perime source recovery facility. That's capped. We can't haul anymore there. We can haul some to Fargo, which is less of a haul, and we're capped there both by trucks per day and quantity. So, our alternative is to go to the uh Grand
Forks landfill, which a one-way trip for 20 tons is 7 hours. So, anything as we grow, >> a oneway oneway down and back >> down, excuse me, a one trip. >> It's it's roughly an eight hour day. And so as the county grows and we have
more waste that transfer those transfer costs will continue to increase just because you have so much in labor. Now with >> Madam Chair Steve the overtime is that that's mostly in the summertime. I I would guess >> yeah you also get it in the winter time around your holiday seasons when it's
busier. >> Okay. >> Yeah. uh what I would expect to see. So, we've had requests from Cornin Township and folks down in that area where there's more uh population. It's more congested down
in that area to expand the organics program down into that area. Before we expand down into that area or outside what we're doing now, I would want to make sure that we have enough staff time to be able to do that, which is why we're requesting another
full-time position. And there's a question about how we'd cover these costs. So, if we had the staff person, we'll be reducing overtime. a lot of your cost to cover the transfer cost is already built right into our fee structure. So when we
charge people to dump at our at our transfer station, we charge them so much. So as that waist stream goes up, we have additional revenues to cover the cost of transferring disposal. Same thing with uh recycling. With
recycling, you don't they make money at it, but it's it's a cost. you're you're reducing the net cost and you do get some revenue stream from cardboard and some some commodities. So, I guess my request today is to
>> Well, I think you could argue that it doesn't while it doesn't make you money, it cost you less money to recycle it than it would be to haul it to Grand Forks. >> Correct. Absolutely. That's all. Uh, so I'd like to, >> Madam Chair, I'll move to approve resolution 5261B
uh, for a full-time truck driver for uh, solid waste. >> All right, I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> So, just a couple other things other than the obvious things here. I mean, it just John, our manager, John and Stan
are backup drivers. I mean, there are managers are supposed to be on facility. When it gets busy, someone's sick, whatever, they've got to get in the trucks and go out and do some of this stuff. And I've seen both of them in trucks. Um, you know, we can only do two loads to Fargo a day for our garbage,
our MSW garbage. Um, I don't know if it's 7 hours down and back to Grand Forks, but all of our overflow goes to Grand Forks. Um, it's a a longer trip. So, um, I will be supportive of this. >> I I just got one question. So, the the
organics grant you, we're going to we're trying to try to expand it to, you know, some more townships, which f Good. Does that grant going to cover that? It won't cover that. >> No, we talked about this in committee. going into 20 uh 7, we're going to have
to be looking well, it we'll consider a fee structure that might be tied to it, something similar to our card cardboard program or some of the other ones to help cover that those. >> So, like right now, if a business asks for a cardboard dumpster because they produce a lot, they get charged a little bit for that. We hope to integrate that
somehow 27 28 into our organics once they see the value of it so we can recoup some of that cost. That's the idea anyway >> cuz no matter what it's it would be less the organics would be less than what the solid waste would be cuz that's >> correct.
>> Well, it's a it's an advantage to the county to do that I guess not to the businesses. >> It's a well it would be Dave because we're going to do it a little cheaper. So normally that would be part of their garbage. >> So we're going to So it will be
advantage to them too. Well, in the bigger picture, it's going to be an advantage to everybody. It doesn't fill up our our sites as well. >> I'm just I'm just concerned with all the rising costs of everything. It's another cost. That's >> that's I just don't want people to stop
doing it because they got to pay for it. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> And that's what's happened with some of the cardboard, too. >> Cuz I'll be honest with you, it's cheaper to throw it away. You build that into >> better. No, there's always a cost
associated with that. >> Yeah. >> Well, what is the right thing to do? I mean I mean that's why the garbage cans out there with the the source. We have source separated the big blue bins, but then we've went with the one was that one stream or single stream. I mean, that's so people can throw all the
recyclables in one container. Well, >> except except glass. >> Except glass. >> But we've got to sort that up there. If everybody would put it in the bigger blue bins, that would be much better and easier for us. So, I mean, we are trying. We want people to try back, too. And but I realize there's a financial
component. I mean, there's always a financial component to it. >> Okay. We have a motion in a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Thanks, Steve. >> Motion carried. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I just think, Madam Chair, our as a society, we have to try to use less
garbage. I mean, we we are >> terrible. And remember way back Brian when Brian Burgerer is our administrator he was he was conversing with somebody from India and they said they had the conversation they just don't produce the amount of garbage that the United you know like we do
>> and um it's just you start looking at your garbage and how can we have a garbage bag full every day? It's like it's we are I mean I'm the I'm as guilty as anyone. It's terrible how much we use. It's but >> Yep. >> Change our mindset. >> Yeah. A little at a time. >> Good morning sunshine.
>> Good morning. Hi Kyle. You want to do the feed lot gentleman first or >> Sure. Yeah. >> Yep. >> And you guys asking me out here >> then later. >> What number is that? >> It's number four. >> Number four, I believe.
>> Okay. >> Pull a couple up if you want. >> Sure. >> I think it's page 60. >> Want to step in anything here, but this is just >> just discussion. I think they just set up a hearing. >> Okay.
>> Uh so9 >> just a little background here. I have uh Henry Johnson, Jordan Graham, and Matt Johnson with me um here to present on two proposed feed lots. Um both of these feed lots are permissible. They're under
1500 animal units um located outside the shoreline. Uh one is 949 animal units, the other is 820. Um, the one will be located on a 10acre parcel after a subdivision. That would be Atlanta, I believe. >> Correct.
>> And Riceville will be located on How big was that parcel? Was there a split there as well? >> Uh, it would be 20 acres. >> 20 acres. Um, so with that, I'm just going to open it up so I can give you a little bit of own overview of uh what their projects are. >> Yep. I can go first. Um, so Henry
Johnson, um, I'm here as a representative of Northern Group LLP. Um that group uh is representing a 1,200 head south farm that'll be located in the in the Riceville Township. Um we're working with um landowner Eric Zern on
the property. Um it'll be 950 animal units like Kyle said. Um and the current permit process is going through MPCA uh and is pending uh MPCA approval. Um, as far as a construction timeline, um, that
would be set to, uh, set to begin at the end of the month, uh, pending the permit approval, of course. Um, I'd just say on the the location and and why this area in general, um, uh, less hog density is a really good thing from a disease
standpoint. So, it's provides a great chance for our animals to stay healthy, which is critically important to the success of the operation. Um, and then I I just wanted to make a comment too from a local standpoint within the county that for the project, we do plan to utilize support wherever possible, such
as hiring locally, um, utilizing local co-ops for utilities or energy, and then, uh, local feed mill as well that's going to be sourcing grain locally. >> Yeah. And I'm Jordan Graham, uh, representing Northern Lake Partners. um uh similar in in what we're what we're
looking to accomplish, but we'll be building proposed building a uh a swine grow finish facility. Uh it's 820 animal units I think was what it was. Um and uh this would also be um you know for the reasons that Henry gave for our location
would be you know high health is really important to us in in our our uh the animals we'll have within the facility and also um looking to to staff staff facility locally um if if at all possible and uh utilize feed and energy
co-ops within within the area. So, >> so what we just need to set a public hearing is that >> Yeah. So, my understanding from talking to the MPCA through the permit process is there's really two components to the good neighbor notice required by MPCA. So, one of those is um a public notice
that's circulated uh and so we we have done that through the phrase newspaper. And then the second one >> phrase newspaper >> correct >> did you say? >> Yep. And and then the second one >> not good publication in my opinion >> is it I was going to say isn't the the phrasy paper I don't think goes to those
that area >> there's no no one reading the phrasy paper in those townships >> because that's that the township's worth thinking is the north >> yeah west you hit all you sure it was crazy >> yeah for the newspaper y
>> I apologize I just thought that would cover the requirements um according to the MPCA for it. >> I don't think it I don't it doesn't serve that area. >> I don't think it does. >> Okay. Um well, I can double check on that um and make sure that >> But also with that notice, you you had
to notice every landowner within 5,000 ft of the site itself. Right. >> We have to provide public notice and through >> that's what this says this is doing. >> Yeah. >> This is doing this here. And then we have uh >> so you're gonna have a notice by newspaper which I agree phrase is
probably not the best one but you're also gonna have a notice to individual land owners. That's what >> publication for every requires good neighbor to each risk and um
>> there is the ability to provide certified mail um to some of the uh you know close land owners within that um within that 5,000 ft. um you know typically know the notice rather than sending certified mail to every single
land owner um you know the other option is having a good neighbor notice in the newspaper and so that's typically the route that most people um you know >> I think we want to redo that >> I agree >> put it in in the Detroit Lakes newspaper
then >> I would I would this is least Detroit Lakes >> has a Holly. Okay. >> Yeah, >> those neighbors should be notified. How many how how far >> I want? We better clarify here. Now,
this is just the public notice. This isn't anything to do with the county's permit process. >> They're in the county. >> We don't we don't have anything. >> They're under the threshold set by those new feed lot numbers a year or two ago. We raised that from 500 to,500 outside the shoreline that you could establish a
feed lot with no conditional use permit >> just go through MPCA. >> The MPCA is the is the permitting authority. >> We've held these before in the past. I I know we've had Jenny O here and can't remember who else, but there normally it's an expansion and they're not
meeting our requirements either. Basically, my understanding is the MPCA, they don't have a public hearing process. They don't have a council. They don't have a board. They don't So, >> Madame Chair Kyle, why what decision does this board? >> You don't have a decision.
>> So, this is justformational. >> Yeah, we just >> Yes. You're holding a public hearing on behalf of the MPCA >> and like I said, we've done others in the past. They don't have a way to do it. >> So, there's there's the two notification
requirements that mentioned. So, all feed lots go through the neighbor that you know either sending the cert by mail or the notification uh to the newspaper. Um Becker County is a little bit different than some other counties because it's non-delegated. So you know
permitting go to the MPCA and then in a non-delegated county um one of the requirements is is that you hold a public meeting and so there's kind of two different ways that you can do that. Um, you know, the more typical way is something like this where you, you know,
use a county board or a county planning zoning um committee meeting as a forum for a public hearing and then the process is to show the MPCA that you did that is you have the agenda and then basically the minutes from the meeting
and then you provide that to the MPCA and then that checks that box. The other option for the public meeting um which is less common is you host a kind of a private uh quote unquote private public meeting where you host it yourself and then you know under that scenario you
would also put a notification in the newspaper saying you know we're going to hold a public meeting about you know this project um you know such and such a time at such and such a place um and the MPCA also considers that to be sufficient for the public meeting um require madam
>> chair If we're not make I mean I'm glad you guys came in and told something that's going on in our county, but if we're not making a decision, we're holding a public hearing. People are going to comment. The NBCA is going to be the deciding body. Are they going to be here? >> They have all the No, they never show
up. They have all the responsibility. Our our office or administration does nothing with the notices. We're asked to put them on an agenda and that's what we do. >> So, we're going to take people's complaints and there's nothing we can do about it. >> Nothing. You're the the only thing you're doing is making a record for the
MPCA to basically check a box. They take your meeting minutes and your agenda and that goes in their packet. >> I would imagine if we made our policy to to lower the threshold, we would be a decision maker. >> You would be. Yes. >> So, if we wanted to lower our threshold
for animal units for permitting, we could do that. Madam Chair, Commissioner Nelson Kyle said >> the county just raised that threshold. So we didn't have to. >> I'm just telling you that if you want have more. >> Oh yeah. I This is all new to me. I
>> just went through just Mr. Hans's point would be two ways you know one would be lower the thresh >> yeah madam chair I I just don't look forward to someone coming in here and chewing me out when I can't do anything about it >> they also have
>> simple you're not the authority you're holding >> so we're doing it on behalf They're also mirroring the the number of animal units on our on our map, right? They're it's >> on the new map. Yeah. So that AG1 is, you know, the majority of the county.
AG2 is the intense animal units and this in AG1. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Correct. >> Okay. So do is it our responsibility to make sure that anything has been done?
Nothing. just set the public hearing. >> I think our comments today about this the phrase crazy papers not appropriate >> local newspaper would I imagine they'll go and if that's the case they'll correct that and they can show that to the pollution control that they've met
that threshold too. >> Yeah and I would say happy to correct that. Um we'll follow up with MPCA on that too just to make sure that we're okay but we'll plan on running another notice. >> Yeah. craziest southeast of Detroit Lakes and we're talking >> northwest >> the farthest northwest corner of the county.
>> Yeah. >> So, >> no. And we're happy to rerun that notice and um and do that. I I think from my understanding as far as what the MPCA wants in communication with them. This meeting would suffice as public meeting. Um, I think a follow-up meeting is optional, but I understand, you know,
this isn't probably a normal process for you guys just with having being a non-delegated county with not a lot of animal um uh feed lot projects and and permit process. So, I I think it'd be optional if we wanted to do a separate meeting, but
>> inut if if the notice was what >> what does your notice say in the paper? Did the notice pertain to this meeting? >> No, it doesn't. Does it? >> We had the notice um it was pulled up at
one point. >> Sorry. >> Essentially, the notice is a description of the project and the location of the project. >> Yeah. Doesn't it doesn't say there's going to be a public hearing. >> Yeah. Well, does I mean we it says we have we were supposed to set a public hearing. That's that's a mistake. >> Public hearing.
>> This is it. >> Um >> this is what's in the board packet. Yeah. Madame Chair, um the conversations that I had um and Kyle, you can correct me if I'm mistaken. What I had suggested is that they come with information today and that this board potentially could
set a time and date on behalf of the MPCA for a public hearing. And I was suggesting, you know, our next meeting, which then that would also then that would be published as a public hearing. That would be
published on Saturday the 9th and that would give you exactly 10 days to your next meeting which 10 days is a typical notice for a conditional use permit. I think that's adequate being you're not making a decision here. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. We we actually well we don't have
a decision to be made but this is not I want to check our agenda but was this >> Madame Chair Commissioner Nelson it says we approved an agenda that says we're going to set a public hearing. That's well that's what I'm saying. This is not a public hearing. >> Correct. We need to
>> and that's a conversation excuse me um that I had had to because you know when you have a public hearing public expectation is that they get notice of that actual opportunity to speak and >> say whatever comments they're going to say.
>> That's why I suggested the route that I would already spoke about. >> Yeah. So, shall we set a public hearing for our next >> board meeting May? Was it 19th? >> June May 19th.
>> Do we have a motion? >> I'll move to set that public hearing. >> 9:00 a.m. >> 9:00 >> 9:00 a.m. >> 9:00 a.m. >> Make sure it's on behalf of the MPCA. >> Yeah. >> All right. Do we have a second? >> Second. All right. Any further
discussion? >> Well, madam, just to just to clarify now, >> I'm not sure what the requirements of MPCA are, but it this they may have met the requirements of the MPCA by being here today and presenting this >> document. Now, we will choose we will
choose to hear any information from any citizens that want to talk about this and they may or may not need to be here. I that's I would assume that they might want to >> and that is because we said we'd do it in our agenda that we just approved, right? So, what I'm saying is if if if you don't show up, we will forward any
comments or concerns directly to the MPCA. Um, so I'm just because I recognize that your obligation may be met once you >> It might be met right now. Yeah. When you leave, huh? >> But, but we are going to have a public hearing whether you're here or not to discuss this and we'll forward those.
>> And that's basically the discussion we had prior to this because they're under the assumption that they're they've met their their criteria. Um, so I said, "Well, you want if you want to pull these minutes and pull this agenda and give it to the MPCA after this and they say you're fine, there's nothing
this board is going to I don't think they're going to call and say, >> "No, we we will forward though that we about the newspaper and we'll forward the comments and concerns of the citizens that we hear from." >> I mean, I would I would say if we're calling this a good neighbor, >> whatever. My suggestion would be to come because
it would be very good and neighborly if you held a public hearing but weren't here to >> 100% >> hear the comments. >> I think the PCA probably should have more involvement. >> Agreed. >> You don't get much answers. It's kind of like well that'll work and it's like well >> probably sending a delegate here with
us. >> They never do that. >> Yeah. But you you're you send them money, right? Um, madam madam chair and again I I know we could talk about whether or not this meets the threshold or not but my suggestion was to take it another step
and I don't think there's any harm in doing that and I think this board should do their due diligence in doing that. >> Yep. >> Okay. So I'm guessing May 19th is for both um both applications. >> Correct. Yep.
>> All right. Any further discussion before we vote? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> All right. Notice is set for May 19th at 9:00 a.m. on behalf of NPCA. >> Thank you all for your time. >> Thank you. Thanks for patiently waiting.
>> Yeah, absolutely. >> Do you have an opinion on wire tensil fence? >> I don't. Jordan probably not a fan of building. >> Okay. Next up, let's start with the planning commission recommendations. Uh from March 25th, it's vertical bridge on
behalf of Justin Ashton. It's requesting a conditional use permit for a 260 ft guide tower with a 9- FFT lightning rod. And then if you would consider two conditions, one being after this approval, um they file a copy of natural
environment protection act study with our office prior to any erection of the tower and then also a financial guarantee uh which would be um to ensure that we have the sufficient funds to remove this tower if we ever need to.
Um, and that would be a financial guarantee of $67,500. >> And is that a financial guarantee by vertical bridge or >> Yes. >> Okay. >> How long how long is that financial guarantee bond supposed to set there?
>> The ordinance does not say that. Says an acceptable financial guarantee equal to 1 and 1/2 times the estimated cost of remov removing the tower facility and restoring the site to its original condition. The estimated cost shall be determined by the Becker County Zoning Administrator. So, there is no timeline
on it. >> Okay. >> So, are these are these lit? Do they have are they high enough that be mandatory lit? >> I would have to assume. Yeah. >> There was a thing in there that >> Yeah, they have to they had to be
approved by the air air traffic. Anybody had F, >> right? But are they? I mean, even if they're not required, >> you want the Yeah, you can make that a condition. I would just suggest that cuz I'm not familiar with the FFA or >> because there was one downment that wasn't high enough to require lighting,
but we required it anyway. >> Oh, sure. >> I thought it said in here that >> it does say with a 9 foot. Oh, that's lightning rod. Sorry. >> But well, I'm I'm ready to make a motion to approve everything with the conditions. I just don't know how long you want to mandate them to have a have
a >> it would be hypothetical to guess when this tower may ever come down. I've never seen one come down. >> So I >> are we doing I mean do we do that on other buildings >> life of the tower? >> Do we do that on uh Gary's furniture and
phrase that we spend all kinds of money on tax forfeit? No, but but our ordinance requires this, >> but it doesn't have a time. So, it's one year, two years, five years. I mean, I can't see putting a 50-year perpetual,
>> right? I I think you It's open to your discretion how long. >> I just I don't know. I I I know the thought, but we can't put I mean, we have a lot of commercial buildings that we've had to look at the Swift plant that we
Mary, you got an idea? >> Yes. >> No, but this is Yeah, I know. >> Yeah. >> How do you can't require a commercial building to to be reliable for the demolition if you go broke? >> No, but you say you don't have to go up this year.
>> No, they're going up. No, it's to remove the it's to remove and restore the site. So that's why I said life of the tower cuz I don't I have no idea when this will come down. >> Well, I mean I I mean maybe these are looked at different if it's in our zoning that I say for the life of the
tower. >> Jerry say for the life of the tower Jerry agree with me. >> So do they have they have to have financial capability? So, do they have to like bond? They have to have this money set aside for the whole >> It would be a bond. >> Okay.
>> I mean, what was what would be the purpose of it if we're not going to >> I don't know what else you'd get for a financial guarantee. It's going to be a note, right? >> So, that's I mean, that's a lot of investment for lifetime of the tower. I mean, holy cow. >> Yeah. Is that cost? >> Yeah, that cost. >> Wow.
>> Well, what do you think it cost to put up? >> A lot more than that. >> Well, I don't know. What if they got to have a bond for that long? How does a bond >> I'm sure the insurance is a year that you would pay that. >> The only the only thing that you're looking at is if the company goes broke. I mean, cuz if it's still act if it's
still a viable company and they they abandon it, they're going to be liable for it. >> A lot of times it gets even confusing there because you have collocation. So >> you have multiple companies in here. That's why I don't you don't see them come down to my knowledge. But
>> we made Did you take that one down for down the tax forfeit land? Did that one come? >> They're getting They're getting paid on it though, aren't they? Isn't this a tower for like I mean that I don't know. I hate to see him pay every year for how many years. That doesn't sound good to me.
>> Well, perpetual just seems that just >> seems do we try >> make a note for our >> zoning ordinance review. Do you change the value of that every five years because the inflationary cost? >> Oh, that's what I asked the guy today. I'm like, I I don't really want to inflate this on you. So, what would it
cost today? And he said 45 grand to take down. So, it's one and a half times that. >> I don't know what anyone do you have an opinion on it. >> Huh? >> I don't >> I don't know. I just think I think life madam chair does this action require
immediate >> attention or could we hold off gather a little more information? >> Well, no, we need we need to move this forward. >> Yeah. >> And it's one of the conditions >> I'm sure they'd like to get started. Well, let's what I would like to do then
is make a motion to concur with planning and zoning with the conditions set forth with the lighting and the two conditions that you said and we can review the how long the bond will be required. >> Okay. >> Right now it's per right now it's perpetual, but I think we need to review
that to see what what we should look at. I mean what because that's not realistic. I I just don't think it's realistic to have a perpetual bond requirement for a business. >> I don't think it is either. Is that your motion? That's my motion. >> I'll second. Let's >> All right. Motion second. >> Kyle, did you have a comment?
>> Yeah, let's put a timeline on that renewal so then it automatically comes back and we don't have to notify everybody for an amendment to this. >> Um, >> give me a time frame. >> Let's set the review the bond requirement
>> within the year. Yeah, >> within year within the year we'll review the bond to re to determine the length of requirement. >> Yes, I'm good with that. Okay. Um, any further discussion? >> And if if we don't bring it if we don't make a decision, it will lapse at one
year. >> Yeah. >> If that works. >> Yep. I'm good with that. >> One year after completion. >> If we don't extend it after one year, we it will be >> gone. >> That requirement will work. >> That the requirement for bond ongoing would be eliminated. But if we can extend it anytime during the next year after we get review,
>> I'm good with that. Is >> that reasonable? Yep. Mhm. >> I think it's reasonable. >> All right. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> I'm going to say no. >> All right. >> I motion carries. >> You don't want the tower.
>> I don't have enough information from And you guys have brought up several more issues. I'm looking at it here. I I >> Well, we have a year to determine whether we want the bond to continue or not. >> All right. Motion carries. Second applicant, vertical bridge on behalf of
Steven and Leah Limburner requesting a conditional use permit for a 190 foot self-support tower with a 9- foot lightning rod. I would just suggest those same three conditions. >> Okay. Make a motion to concur with the same conditions as a previous same
timeline for the bond requirement. >> I'll second. >> All right. We have a motion to second. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? No >> motion carries. >> Um the last two items I have for you are an RFP
um submitted by Apex Engineering. We had went out for one prior this spring um as advertised from March 14th to April 13th. Um Apex submitted the sole response. Um there's also some comparisons there that I received from
Jim Olsen just to be used as benchmark person uh >> for price >> comparisons only. Okay. >> Um this will be a first for us. So we're not really uh sure on you know how many hours each one will take it. I guess number one it'll depend on where it is
in the county and then probably the magnitude of the project itself. Um we're going to be looking at retaining walls bas you know majority of the time. Um if you recall between two and four feet um they submit their plan to us. That plan can be created by anybody and
our engineer reviews it over 4 ft they have to submit an engineered plan and our engineer reviews it. Um >> are these are these pass through then charges? >> Yes. >> Yeah. So we >> it' be the the the current the current application fee for land alteration is
$100. it would remain at that and then it would be the total cost acred passed on to the applicant. Unless for instance I mentioned um in finance say for that Prairie Lakes investment application during the tech panel meeting if we
wanted an engineer at the table then we would be acrewing that cost for professional services. Um the majority of them that you're going to see would be a pass through cost. So that was I I and we also talked in finance, you
know, I was considering a contract in the beginning, but I I don't think that's necessary. Um, you know, it's just like our our legal um our legal >> as needed. >> Yeah. The legal services we get ongoing as needed. We can change it any day. We could change here again. We just
basically put this RFP out for transparency. Um, you know, >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think every few years you might want to open it up again too. But um I think it's like just like would be the I think the city has a they use a specific
>> Mhm. >> engineering firm >> and it is this firm. >> Yeah. >> Um so I think it I think it goes well. I think the input that we have from Mr. Olsen the review committee is invaluable. So
>> or is val valuable? >> It's valuable. It's not replacement. What is invaluable? >> Not really. >> So, do you want a motion or just to concur that >> I think definitely a motion on the resolution, right? But the the other one I think is >> Oh, yeah. We have a resolution fees for
>> for the fees. Yep. >> Um the the RFP for engineering services, I guess that's that's up to you. Um >> Madam Chair, I'll I'll make a motion to approve uh Apex Engineering as an Kyle. How do you want that? as an
outside uh engineering. >> Yeah. >> Source. >> Professional service. Yeah. >> Professional service >> when available. >> Is that enough? >> When available. >> When available and appropriate. >> Yep. >> All right. We have a motion. Do we have
a second? >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> How did you get all that? >> All right. Motion carried. Then we have resolution 5261C
for land alteration fees. And this is really just to show that the the fees for that engineering service will pass through to >> Madam Chair. I'll approve or I'll move to approve uh resolution 5261C the land alteration fees.
>> All right. I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I >> oppose. I >> feel can vote against stuff. I'm voting again.
>> Madam Chair, Madam Chair carries. >> Um, Madam Chair, before you adjourn, I just wanted to uh inform the board. And I may have said this before, but this Thursday um I believe it's at 9:00 is uh whiter state of the nation. So, I just
wanted to let people know that in case uh you would like to attend that. >> Where's that? >> I'm out of town. It's at the casino. >> That's all I have. >> Okay. Anything else? >> I would make a note that, you know, I'm going to probably tell the MPCA they
need to be here going forward on those. >> I think so. >> Um cuz again, there's no responsibility from us or and we're not familiar with their requirements. Yep. >> They're friendly neighbor notices and things like that. So, I think they should be here. >> I think we owe that to our
>> our constituents. I mean, they come and complain to us and we don't even make the decision. Yeah, at least yeah, make it available. Thank you, Kyle. >> And they can speak to some of that unknown stuff and >> Mhm. All right. Any other business? Ajourn.
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