Start the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. >> 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.
All right. Do we have any uh changes or additions to the agenda? >> Mr. Chair, uh I'd like to add uh since Kyle will be coming up at the end, I'd like to add um planning and zoning. Uh just he's asking for a direction on
retaining wall as group. And I'd also like to talk about conditional use permit enforcement. So retaining all discussion is that what he wants or direction. Okay. And then what was the other one?
>> Uh conditional use permit enforcement. >> Okay. Discussion and cup cup enforcement. >> So those also like Carrie to give an
update on uh working on levy reductions. her report. >> Okay. >> Well, that will be discussed at our budget meeting, won't it? That'll be up to us to >> next week. Okay. Not next week. >> No, the 25th. >> I just like to see where we're at with that.
>> Okay. Do you got that, Krie? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is there any uh other things to the agenda? All right. Seeing none, uh, I'll
entertain a motion to approve the agenda with the two additions to the planning and zoning and to carry his report. >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay, we have a motion by Phil. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Erica. Any further discussion? Okay, all in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. All right. Motion carries. All right. Minutes from the October 21st meeting. Are there any corrections, additions, or subtractions to the minutes? >> I did not have anything. I did not either. >> I'll move to approve the minutes. >> Mr. Chair,
>> um under on page two of three under human services presented by Denise Warren on the bottom of the page. I think it should be clear that it's not a motion from public health. It's not the donation is not from public health. >> Oh yeah. >> It's a donation from
>> it was a private donate donation. Public health donation. So a donation >> Yeah. Yeah. made by an indivi anonym >> to public health. >> Well, yeah, the donation was made to public health. >> Well, let's clarify then. >> Yeah. Yeah. Motion to second to approve the
>> So, just add the language of publication. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Private donation. >> Private donation to public health. >> Public health. Private donation >> to to public health to Becker for the
Becker County Food Pantry. Yeah. It was pass through. >> It was a pass through basically. >> What do your what was your motion? >> Uh was to approve the uh minutes with Barry's direction. >> All right. We have a motion by Phil. Do we have a second?
>> Second. >> Second by Barry. Any more discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. All right. Motion carries. All right. Consent agenda. Do we have any items that anybody would like to pull from the consent agenda? All right. Hearing none. I'll entertain
a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So moved. >> All right. Motion by Erica. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Barry. Do we have any more discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. All right. Motion carries. >> All right. Open forum. Is there anybody
on the open forum list? One person. Okay. Only one person's name I can not say correctly. Richard. >> Well, this is easy. So, J uh Jay Carlson, would you when you come up, would you state your name and your address,
please? >> Yes. My name is uh J A Y Carlson. C A S O N. >> Is the microphone on? >> Yep. >> It is 12110 uh Gilbertson Place. that's uh just off the Tangle Wood Road on uh
uh Pikes Bay on Big Corn and um just wanted to come I don't see it uh specifically on the agenda, but uh was told that there may be uh some consideration of uh the H Heartland Trail extension and I followed that uh
pretty uh closely and just wanted to uh uh ask the uh uh commissioners that when you make your decisions that it not be done, you know, just in uh isolation of the current study was kind of geared
toward what is the best route between Dutton Locks and Bucks Mill, but just ask that it also consider what's the best route for the trail generally, not just that particular question because that I think could uh lead to uh um more
difficulties if you make that decision first before what the best route for the trail is. I know the commissioners every day do their due diligence to find out uh what the best facts are, what the best route is. And uh would just like to
say that there were several kind of northern routes that because of the uh restriction of how do we get from Dunton Locks to Bucks Mill weren't really considered that are very uh uh kind of scenic rural. I don't think you'd have
the opposition, you know, that you might have. And I think some of the uh uh study and the public comment was geared toward we don't want the trail coming through Sally and Melissa. And I I think there's significant structural issues
with trying to do that. But I think that made it seem like people thought Highway 59 and constructing a trail parallel to Highway 59 would be the best option when really what it did is got it out of the
backyard of people that were very much opposed to the additional traffic there. So, as you review the study from Houston and a lot of times, uh, you have to spend some money to find out, you know, that maybe what you'd really like to do
maybe isn't the best option. And just would encourage that we don't lose sight of the overall picture of what's the most scenic route, what's the most userfriendly type route that could be made. And um I had suggested to be somewhere in in the comments, but there
is a a route that would go along North Pearl Lake Road and the west side of Ununice that would come out at 138 uh which uh is the road that kind of uh just east of uh Cormrod Village and it's
11 miles and if we are looking at rumors of a million dollars a mile which the state has some you know support for with other portions of the trail. um that I think keeping
keeping the trail targeted for cost right at the beginning would be helpful so we can actually maybe get this done and um appreciate the commission taking the time first of all to do the study between there and I do think if you uh
took a northern route to Cormood area and I have uh received resolutions of support from Corman Township, Lake Ununis Township and the watershed district that they're all willing to help find a safe and scenic route uh once you get that far west. So, you've
got good support uh uh out there and uh just uh I I'm a user of the trail. I don't have any vested interest uh uh other than uh being a user and hopefully can use it uh uh in my lifetime because you've done a great job on Detroit Lakes
to Fras. That's a nice part of the trail. So, >> all right with that. Thank you very much, >> Mr. Chair J. You know, the funding is always the big issue, but I I I have I'm on the Heartland Trail Committee with Dave and I haven't seen any. I mean, Bucks Mills might be a dead end.
>> Um, and I know that uh Lake Ununas is doing East Pearl Lake Road. >> I think they're going to be paving that, I believe. So, I mean, now is the time to get over to Ununice Township and and make your feelings known. Maybe they can maybe they can work something in there.
I I I don't know. >> Well, um sometimes the DNR has some grants that uh if it's part of a road project, you know, so there might be some additional funding there that was mentioned at one of the meetings. And like I say, it's kind of hard to discuss specific route. >> Yeah.
>> When we're not really sure just exactly where the trail is going. But I'm just saying that I do think that uh you've got receptive partners um out uh in that area and um you know in looking at it, you know, I don't know if you'd need it,
but Becker 11 and 138 is kind of a a dangerous intersection. There's been a couple deaths over the 15 years in there. And I think there's enough elevation coming from the uh east of Corn Village. They almost could could maybe put a
tunnel in there to go into Cormack Village that it's a pretty steep hill. So, well, if there's anything I can do, I'm happy to uh uh uh help on the project. And like I say, the bonding was a little kind of stalled at the end of last session for a lot of projects. And
I don't know if ours is included in that, but u I do think that um that uh that that would be I think the paths we don't have the luxury of a 26 mile abandoned railroad corridor have to work
with some existing uh rightaways but uh I do think it would be good for the community you know out in the corn area and I do think that it's that you can run if you start at Dunton locks for those that are interested in having the uh trail go uh through the we fest
grounds which is a beautiful area. You could have a spur that runs there with a turnaround so that they could cut off access to that during periods where they're having events without closing the entire trail. I mean people come from Chicago to ride the Hartland Trail. It's their summer vacation and you'd
hate to get uh uh to Dutton Locks and have the trail closed because of >> Mr. chair. Uh, >> uh, you know, Cleon is is she kind of runs, uh, the meetings for the Harland Trail. I mean, I don't know if there's a space for someone on there, but you're obviously very conservative.
>> If you're interested, I would talk to Cleo Stewart. Clean Stewart. She's the >> She'd be another advocate. >> She's the uh what? Recreation director for the U chamber. >> Okay. And I have uh uh visited briefly with Mitch Lundine and Mr. Skoo. I mean, they're aware of, you know, my interest
in the trail, but I'll I'll definitely uh uh visit here. And and I also had a long history with Houston Engineering where they were the uh project engineers when when I was the uh lead attorney for getting the outlet built on Cormarmac when we were flooding and stuff. So,
they do quality work and are recognized as um excellent in their field. So, all right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. Uh thanks, Judge Carlson. Um, we did go on a little ride. Uh, he wanted to show me the the route that
that would be much more rural. I mean, it and if you're riding bike and unless you're someone that's just going for 50 miles, you want those more rural less, you know, the paralleling 59 is not is not an ideal route. I mean, just an
example, my family and I went for a bike ride this summer. We went past Pelican. We didn't get on the trail at Pelican. cuz you're and we went down towards towards Maplewood and we drove the Maplewood State Park um trail. It was it was brand new. We drove through the park and then we turned around and came back.
So, um I think it has a lot of relevance where the trail is. I mean, if you're looking for tourists to come in, parallel 59 is not going to attract people say, "Oh, we got to ride that trail because that's going to be beautiful to seeing the semis go by." I mean, it's So, I think there's some real
positive things to look at um when we go through when we decide on the trail. Um, and this route, there's obviously a couple pinch points, but there's going to be pinch points on wherever you go. And it will get down to Cormand relatively in some real nice um, settings, low low traffic roads where
you're paralleling. And, um, I think it has some real potential. So, um, we can discuss it a little bit more when we get hear the presentation. And I think that's at 10. >> Yeah, I it's Yeah, 10 o'clock. It's kind of It's too bad we didn't say H Heartland Trail instead of just trail
>> final trail routing should be the >> in the H Heartland Trail. >> All right. Do we have uh anybody else open for them? All right. Let's move on to reports and correspondence. Who would like to go first? >> I can go first. I had just a couple at
Crowing Watershed. Uh we approved a memorandum of agreement to revise the agreement to include White Earth Nation. Um it doesn't change anything how the S SWCDs do will do the work. It just um
adds White Earth Nation as one of the the people on the agreement. Um that agreement will be coming to the full board proposal I believe sometime by the end of the year because the the goal is to get it approved by the end of the year. Um we also went over a couple projects that were completed through the
Crowing Wershed. This is the first year of funding for that wershed. Um there were a couple in Becker County that got funding. One was a prescribed grazing plant in Rutenberg Township and another was a they stabilized some stream banks by two inlets lake. So that was nice to
see um that happening in our county. Um another thing that I thought was interesting that is being done in the crowing the Hubard and Cass County are working together to create a lake steward program. Um and it's really just a way to identify land owners that are protecting water quality. They get a
small banner to put on their lake that says or on their dock that says lake stewardist or I don't remember what it it says, but it's once they meet certain qualifications. It's more of a education outreach program, completely voluntary.
Um just a way to to um give a shout out to those that are protecting the water quality. >> Is there a is there one for someone who wants everyone else to do what's right and them to do whatever they want? >> No. >> Okay. No. Um, so that that was that one. So that
was >> what we all are. We all want everyone else to do everything, >> but I'll do whatever I want. Yeah. Um, and then the only other meeting I had other than planning commission which is on the um agenda was Mahubi. And I know Liz is coming um later today to talk,
but um and I'm I know I'm going to ask her when she gets here. They're at the in the second stage of completing the licensing process for four new early Head Start classrooms, which will be classrooms for just infants and toddlers. They closed a couple of their preschoolers um rooms, so they could
have um meet some of that needs of infant and toddler. And I believe one of these or one of them are in Detroit Lakes, but we'll ask Liz when she gets here. Um and then they're just um have the energy assistance. Um
they're still accepting applications but you know unsure with the government shutdown what if if it continues through November what that will mean. Um you know funding doesn't come through to Mahubi for energy assistance till the middle of November. So there's no effect
on it right now but um could if it continues much longer. So that was all I have. Um uh start with the district 4 meeting. Uh Phil and and Dave and I were at the District 4 meeting. Um they every everyone during county reports gave gave
their levy and some of the things going on in their county. The levies were ranging from about um so we're we're not we're not low and we're not high but we are on the probably the top end higher end of the group. Started at about four and went up to 133 in Wadina. Wilin was
11. So we are at we are above the average for sure. So be nice to examine that like Phil's request as we move forward. Um a lot of talk about AI. Julie gave a really you know lot of discussion about artificial intelligence. Um there was a question
will this reduce county workload and they and not in the foreseeable future. county workload is mostly hands-on um face to face or so it wasn't a lot but um they did forwarded the this Otter a this Otter minutes taking was something that you could install in your computer
and it assists and Julie said she's tried it or they're trying some of these things and said they it did be it does better job than I do and then you can put it in what type of format friendly professional you know >> you know whatever and so it is Yeah,
>> I've used um AI for like I've had a held a meeting with 50ome people and recorded it and then uploaded the transcripts to chat GPT and ask for it to summarize the meeting so I could send out a summary to >> and it's it is a it's actually a little
scary scarily accur accurate but >> and that's what and it learns from you too it learns from your preferences but um >> but that's one thing that with the SSIS modernization one of things that the legislature wants is to include
some AI in in modernization. So, >> and and Julie said that it's going to eventually it's going to allow her employees to not have not have two people taking notes or wast not wasting their time, but they could be doing their jobs instead of
>> doing it's it's she said it won't save any manpower there. I mean, it won't save jobs. I mean it will the jobs will still be there but they'll be doing more important things rather than going notes and minutes. >> It'll make them more efficient >> right be efficient for those tasks to
move on. So um and we did do our priorities and the um system was the number one >> and then it was mental health and >> and and then and uh >> solid waste >> solid waste
>> solid waste concerns of >> and then there was uh >> bonding emergency was number five. Yeah. >> Yeah. So that's the priorities from our group and they'll take them back and and the board will prioritize and then >> the top three were all the same. She said >> yeah the top three all the same. Yeah. where district w I mean every district
pretty much. So, anything else to add. Um there are some programs that that are kind of interesting. Um the Twin City Underwriters were um it's just some things that we could that Carrie can probably investigate.
Twin City Underwriters was one. Um it's an add-on benefit for health insurance and then that um another one benty for human services. M >> um I got a pamphlet here. >> Okay.
>> Um >> I would say no to Vinty. Just my opinion. >> I had a Lakeland mental health meeting and um we had a a positive month. So we're I mean we were dipping. So we
won't probably meet our our budget but we will be positive in the you know positive for for our cash or for our bottom line will be positive and you know usually you go through these meetings and there's not a lot I mean you get some reports from the people but
the the one gentleman talked about um one of his clients you know lost the battle of mental health and committed suicide and just and those stories really hit home and you know you can see how important the work is and um with every success story I mean you hopefully
have a lot more successes than failures but they they were talking about how do you how to cope and how the professionals cope with you know these type of losses and how and the relationships with the family. So, it's those are pretty, you know, pretty significant.
Um, when you hear that, it's it's they really you really kind of you're humbled and so anyway, but financially they're doing so pretty solid. Um, I will have to say, oh, you know, meetings are always in Fergus Falls and so I drive down to Fergus Falls and I
pull in the parking lot and stupid me and I knew this, our meeting was in Morehead. So, >> shoot. So I went to the Zoom call and so luckily we have Zoom available. So I was at the meeting but I I'm like seriously dumb. So you got to laugh at yourself
when you don't catch those mistakes. So um we had sheriff's committee um we were we wanted to talk Dave and I were on sher sheriff's committee. We are we're still looking at the um the impound storage building. We want to keep moving
forward on that. keep making sure we're we're looking at the the grand scheme of maybe we should set a a timeline up for construction next year to back that up. I mean, so we meet some of these deadlines coming up. Um >> keep us on track. >> Yeah. To keep us on track for
construction next starting next year. And and we also thought that >> so I don't know if we need a another meeting for that Phil work session on that or I mean we have kind of looked up the the plans and have some of those need the needs and the scale is all
there. It's just ready for go ahead on doing some of that. So um >> and then one more thing on that too is we also thought maybe that it's because it does affect our budget that it could be a budget in our budget work session too if we had time. Yeah, we could just touch on it briefly in work session on
November 25th. We could touch on how we finance that and how that's going to affect our budget as we move forward. Um, Sheriff Glander talked about a a part-time to full-time baiff. Um, that's not on the agenda. It's something he wanted to for us to look at and
reduction of the of the part-time staff in a couple other areas. So, it wouldn't be a hit to the budget. it would be cash neutral because >> um of but that that's something that he will present to our committee at in a future date. >> Um
>> looking through there these are I think everything else is on the budget or on the agenda I believe. So yeah >> uh the AC renewal was on there I think. >> So that one is on there. I don't know if the AC renewal was
>> um the only other thing I um our family went down to the cities this last week for a Minnesota Gopher volleyball game. The actually the whole Lake Park Ottoman team went. It was really really good really good fun for the kids to all be together like that and we stayed
overnight at a hotel. I'm at the game and here on the lights, you know, on the advertising lights, Ottertale County is advertising for tourism, you know, come and come and find your inner otter at Ottertale County. >> Um, and it kind of it kind of hit me.
It's like, you know, >> I never it just was surprised me that Ottertale County was advertising, you know, the at at the University of Minnesota. And I'm wondering if we're maybe missing out on some opport and I don't know. I'm I don't know that I would support much of a budget to do
advertising in the cities, but as I you know, we should we should think outside the box here a little bit. And we, you know, Becker County has got a such a unique um area where we have three of the um different >> biomes, >> envir biospheres or what, you know,
coming together. I think I think Detroit Lakes promotes it quite well, but you know, maybe we should um promote ourselves a little bit more than what we do. just a just a thought because we are a unique very unique county and and have such great diversity here. >> That was one thing that the University
of Minnesota extension office has that tourism >> um like evaluation that that is one of those things that comes out of there. What can you do to >> bring more to >> I think this is an ADA project if you want to I mean we have a high we have
something that we can highlight and I think we really should highlight what's so un Becker County is unique and it is because that we have the the >> just such a unique where the three different biomes >> b yeah yeah where they come together and
and um >> I I I think we're >> I think we talked to Cody didn't we to look into how much that would asked those through Fernando. >> Yeah, we were talking about it now. >> But I think we have to brand ourselves before we start advertising. I mean, I
think we have to we have to >> and that's one of the things that the the I don't know that it was Fernando, but it was the extension office would help with. They come in and do a I can't think of the word, so I'm not going to say it. >> I think we have to we have to figure out
>> what we are, why we're special. I mean, I think that's our and then we then we just need to maybe just, you know, because they said marketing AI is taking over marketing >> and maybe we plug in what we want to AI and they say how do how can we best, you know, >> how can we best
>> market ourselves? Yep. >> Because marketing professionals are not a job you want right now because they're they're obsolete. >> Yeah. And I will I will say at our Telecom does do a very good job. I mean, you look at Facebook, how they advertise
themselves on Facebook is they do a very good job. >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner Nelson, um, you know, we would have a lot of advocates that would help us with that. I mean, sure, the city of Detroit Lakes, Freys, I don't know, Lake Park, um, the tourism bureau, I mean, Project 412, I mean,
this could be a very good collaboration. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> so I I don't think it's impossible. It's just who's going to head it up and take it out. >> You know, project 412 is doing a trail trying to get together on trails right now. Maybe let them take the lead and
>> I I don't know is our EDA department would be who would help with this or kind of be the lead on >> bring it up at your next meeting. >> You know, and the the future of EDA, you know, if I was on the I would think it's kind of exciting if you're looking at pulling in housing back in and you can
have multiple roles for some of those employees. I mean, you don't have to be just in your own lane in that. >> Um, so it could be kind of exciting for for someone to come here. You could you could >> do housing with through EDA, but you can also help with marketing and tourism. >> Um, so >> yeah.
>> All right. Who'd like to go next? >> I can go next. Me and Phil had environmental. Um, we're still talking about how how, you know, we're we're going for that grant to to add on that building out at the
campus there. So, we're still talking about that. Um, we're talking about grinding sheetrock now and maybe sell it to a farmer. Uh, like cuz they they need that to >> Mhm. >> on certain fields, these sandy fields, I guess.
Um, we're still talking about a regional demo landfill study and I'm sure I'm not sure that I'm on board with that or not, but we'll see how it goes uh as we get closer to it. Uh, I don't know, Phil, you had anything
to add there? >> Uh, yeah. I You want to >> We were going to talk about something and I can't remember what it was. >> Well, my environmental uh, you know, our organics program, we're expanding that. That That's going pretty well. Um, we need to get uh our mechanic over at
environmental has been running over the highway to get the scan tool. You plug it in to see >> what's wrong with your machine. Well, he's making too many trips over there. So, it'll be coming probably here in the next month or so. It'd be an $8,000 investment uh for equipment so he doesn't have to run over to highway all
the time. Um the sheetrock uh better futures contract is coming up in uh June of next year. So we got to get going on that and see what that looks like. Um >> maybe you should have better equipment. >> Well, actually the problem is now that
anything that goes wrong with them, you got to plug them in. >> Mhm. >> And to even clear some of these codes. So it's really And we have it. This this scan tool will work with all of our stuff out there. So it it would be important not to and it's probably not
something you want to be carrying back and forth and if they need it at highway and then yeah we we've got a lot of equipment out there. So >> when when you come in for that request could you get bring a list of equipment to see how much there is to that would be utilized on that site. >> Okay. >> I I got one question. This is nothing to
do with equipment. What is sheet why do farmers use sheetrock brand of sheetrock? It's part of like a fertilizer >> like a lot of different soils like some put lime on it and I thought it's it's like lime. I don't know if it adds the same nutrients, micronutrients, but it helps the it it helps make better soil
barrier. >> Lower the pH very >> I'm not sure what sheetrock sheetrock >> I'm married to a farmer to you guys. >> Gypsum is in it. >> Yeah, >> I know. >> Why don't you ever ask me? >> Erica, could you please tell us? >> I don't know. >> I'm sorry.
>> You always ask Barry about farming. Wait. I I'm not sure what if it's gypson or what what >> gypsum is in it. What it does to the soil, I'm not exactly sure, but farmers want it. >> There are there are fields that that gypson helps significantly. Usually just
mix it in with your fertilizer application. So, >> and I thought this was every like every 3 years or something like that. Some of these fields, some of these sier fields out east here use it. So, it's better than throwing it >> burying >> burying it. Yeah. You know, anything that we can keep out of there is
>> um >> and you're we started that already. >> Well, we're looking we're in touch with a farmer right now that is interested in in buying it. And so
and then we had highway um and we talked about um 230th Avenue that sponsorship for Ottoman Township and those other townships to try and get something done there. So I' I'd like to see something done there. Um
I don't know, Phil, what do you have on the highway? >> Um >> I know you got a lot more than I got. >> Yeah. Um well uh we've got a couple resolutions we're going to consider today. Um use of the gravel tax and we need to forward some money to pay some bills
before the end of the year. Um on top of that, you know, in our last work session, we're we're getting some things figured out. We're pulling smart tax out and tracking that individually just to make things a little more clear. Um and
some of these things 230th we were we're going to go on a road tour tomorrow. So, in the morning. So, I mean, that's still kind of open. We want to see the new facilities, the impound lot, and look at those. I was thinking of running over to Lake Park, uh, and maybe look at 230. So, maybe we can incorporate some of
these when we talk about our road tour tomorrow. Um, >> where are we leaving from, Jim? >> We're going to leave from the highway. >> Yeah, we have a transit >> and we want to see Jim is going to give us a West Lake Drive view, too, of exactly what's happening, where it's going to happen. I think that'd be good. So we can intelligently give because a
lot of people are going to be asking about that. Um are you done Richard? >> Yeah. >> Okay then. So I had um I got a lot I sorry Mary I got a lot um I had so we we set up a meeting with transit Kevin I mean I've been sitting in transit for
eight months and it's just frustrating. Kevin's doing a really good job. So we set up a meeting Jim Joy came in and we we told him some of our frustrations with funding how it flows and stuff. We we met with a by via Zoom with the regional director and state director and just complained about our our funding
frustrations, how the funding doesn't come through if you're doing good work. Um, so I don't know if we're that'll go anywhere, but the people above us uh have heard our frustrations. So hopefully something will change there. Prairie Lakes, uh, we actually met in Browerville this time. They've got a
brand new transfer station, so we want to take a tour of that. That's down in Todd County. Um, uh, good meeting. We had a clean audit. Uh still working on drier fuel and how we're going to use this ash and some of the road beds. So we're working on that and Becker County
highways 39 and 40. We'll be getting some of that ash next year. We're working on the details of that. Spent two days up at Manomomen for the tribal uh conference history. Um
very enlightening. Uh I I met Michael Fairbanks so and we had two days of good discussion. So um >> yeah I'll just leave it at that. >> I think what it really does is brings the relationships you know for like you know those relationships are more important than the meeting you went to
probably. I mean when you can have a contact with with Mr. >> He knows me I know him and yeah >> I think those those relation it's a lot like some of our AMC conferences too. you know, some of those um while you learn something at the conference there, the the relationship and the and the >> networking
>> networking is what's really valuable and how to how to work with those other entities. So, I'd >> thank you. Thank you for attending that and >> you're welcome. >> I I went last year. You guys are welcome. >> Um >> so, on the 29th, uh so the CND regional
study, um so we set up a tour of Demcon Demolition Construction down in Shakape. So Steve and I uh took a vehicle, we ran down there um and looked at their facility. So their facility is exactly like ours only a lot bigger. They have uh CND construction demolition waste and
they have a MURF there, a recycling facility. So my question to you guys is this uh >> our MURF. Okay, so single stream recycling. So uh PL uh cardboard, metal, aluminum. So we we have that together. We run that through. How many tons per
day can we run through our MURF here? Yes. I didn't know this. I didn't know this at all either and I should. I'm on the committee, but so single stream recyclables I would say zero to 100. >> I'd say over that >> tons.
We can run >> we can run about 10 ton through our MURF per day. >> Oh, so that's way off. >> Um Demcon, so they have a MURF. They have optical sorders. They have all kinds of stuff. We talked about possibly getting they they have two shifts now.
Um they run 400 ton a day. >> Wow. >> Through their MURF down there. >> They're recycling. >> It it was the the the the conveyors were going 100 miles out. They got optical sorters with pneumatic. They're pulling suction cups basically and throwing
plastic stuff. It's incredible. It was incredible. >> I think that's the key. It's going to have to be automated. I mean the the >> And Phil, that's private. You did you >> and that is private. It is private. >> And they're taking garbage from North Dakota. They're taking >> Why not Bismar?
>> They're not are they taking >> not garbage. They're taking recyclables. >> Recyclables. I shouldn't say that. >> Single single stream. >> Single stream. Recycle. Garbage would be a little bit better. It's like really taking garbage. >> But if you guys ever get a chance to get a tour of that, I mean, that is something to see. The optical sorders,
the machinery, the speed that those conveyors run, they run three times as fast as ours do. and they've got some more people there, but it it it's incredible. Um, and something to see environmental, we talked about that. The only thing I'd add is uh so we talked
about the e-waste and how we were cleaning up uh you know the the the screens, the the laptops, things like that. E-waste. Um Steve came up. He says, you know, we're also recycling batteries. So, we got 14 recycled battery locations at some of our blue bin sites. So, I asked him to run me a
query for the last 5 years. So, in 2021, we had about 1,200 lb of battery waste per year in that year that we recycled. Um, fast forward to 2025, we had 1,680
and we're uh pound. We're on pace for 2200 lb this year. We have 1680 so far. So, that battery waste is growing. It is getting better. People are using it, I guess. So, um, that's good. That's battery waste. That's same or it's kind
of in in line with that e-waste. Also, um I uh suggested to uh Steve that maybe we can do a mattress free drop off before the end of the year, possibly in December. If we can't get to it, maybe in January, but do a mattress uh drop
off um free drop off hopefully for our Becker County customers. So, we're working on something like that. Um so, we'd have to do that same kind of resolution thing. Um, e-waste was successful. I wanted to try this uh just keep it out of our ditches. Um, district
uh four meetings. Just a couple of things that I took. Uh, the concerning the federal shutdown. I thought this was a great quote. No matter who gets the blame, the counties get the work. >> I thought that kind of summed it up. I
mean, we're the ones on the front steps that got to take care of whatever anybody else does. I feel that way with the state, too. It's just like our people have to solve the problem at the end of the day. Um the nuclear power moratorium I think uh
uh Carrie's going to talk about that a little bit. Legislative priorities, tech modernization is what yeah I took as the number one. Mental health was two, solid waste was three and then bonding, road bonding and stuff. And then emergency response highway we talked about we'll talk about that road tour. Um, the other
thing is, um, I asked you guys about six months ago about being on that magic committee that, um, Minnesota, what is it? Minnesota Association of Investing for Counties. >> Uh, there's two openings. >> There's two openings >> there again. And, um,
I would consider that if I have the support of the board. If you don't, it's I was more >> Can you um, can you tell me any anything about investing? >> I'd like to see what it's about government investing at a high level. >> What background? Do you know about investing? Just >> I think I've got a little. It interests
me anyway. I'd like to see how they do things. >> What's your rate of return on your investment? >> Yeah, 2% we're you're not part. >> So, I would like to apply for that unless you guys got some push back. And if you do, that's fine. >> No, I think I want to thank you, Phil. Phil is um you know at these AMC
meetings I think is networking very well and is becoming he's he's very well known and and for asking questions but I mean you to get those contacts just like I think you're doing a really really nice job and and getting yourself out there and getting in involved but um I
would also like um Erica maybe to give us a little bit of a more detailed of the um the the computer programming that we are failing at as a state. you know, um because that's our number one priority
to um for for all counties to try to get the state to update that. So, could you give the public maybe just a little bit of of of a why is this why is this so concerning to us because we are being we are being mandated to do a lot more
programs and we're um and what's happening is we're counties are stalled and maybe Erica, you know the a lot better. tell us why this is so important to counties to get this software updated. Yeah. So we have our system called SSIS which is the main system.
That's the system that um we did receive funding for last year. I think 30 was it 35 million I think we received >> as a state >> as a state to update it. And that is the system that is used primarily by it's primarily for child protection, child
welfare, but it's also used by adult services, mental health. Um, it's the case management system and it's it's the most modern of our systems, but it's also the most complicated, but it came out in 1997.
So many of the um workers that are coming in to work in the system, the systems are older than them. So, they're very antiquated. They're they are not there's no interfacing. Um it's workers are spending a lot more time in data
entry than they are out spending time with families which is where they should be um because there's a lot of duplicate work. There's a lot of um slowness performance issues. So that is the one system that we're currently working on. But there are other systems
um Maxis for example which is going to which is a system that came out in the late 80s. You can't even use a mouse. It's a green screen. and you have to tab through the screens to to get through it and you have to memorize everything in order to um make the system work. So
there's a very huge learning curve and that's the system that if we recall um I think it was our last district board meeting where we talked about the SNAP timeliness where if as a state we miss that timeliness we lose funding from the
federal government. I think it was I don't remember I want to say 25%. Yeah, >> that's the the system that we're depending on to submit our SNAP benefits for. And if we don't have a good functioning system for that, we run the risk of um not being timely and and
losing that funding. So, it's really there all the systems are just very antiquated and need updating and and there's a huge push to get them to work together more. um you know we have this one Minnesota one family and really our hope is that our systems can work the
same way. So that's the push >> and the one of the comments is you get the wheel. You know these computer screens I mean we're used to touchcreen and instant these are slow they get the wheel if you ever seen the the wheel of death that pops up and you're and they and we have staff time sitting there
waiting and waiting and waiting and this isn't just once. This is >> when we when we did so I worked for SSIS and and um I think two years ago we did a SSIS review and so we counted it by clicks. How many clicks does it take to
get a certain thing done? And there there are many clicks just to enter a person. It was like 20 25 clicks or something like that. And in between each click to I mean you're looking at like a 3 to 5 second wait which doesn't sound
like a lot but it is when we are used to it being more instant. So >> kind of sounds like the old dial up internet. It >> Well, it looks like it. It looks a little bit like >> Oregon Trail. >> So I I think what the message that we
have what was >> is we're I mean they say get your legislators and show them how slow it is. And then they it everyone's like well yeah this is we have to fix this is our number one >> number one priority from every county in the state. This has to be fixed and we
just want to make sure that the public knows that what what it is and why it's so important. um because it's slowing down everything and if we're asking we're being asked to do these new programs, these new requirements and then we we have to be able to function better. So,
>> and and that's one of the big big things with MAP with CWDA um is there they're >> the act >> the act >> the new act coming in the Minnesota African-American family childare disproportionality act >> um that there's there's going to be a
lot more data entry requirements and what is required to track that data the system is not built for the system being SSIS so that that's one of the big pushes and fears with with the act coming down is how are county workers going to be able to get all that work
done when really the system can't the system can't do it right now. So >> all right does anybody else have any >> Mr. Chair just going does anybody have any problem with me >> forget we can we can matter of fact Mr.
Chair, I would like to offer a resolution of support for Phil to >> to show our the county's board support if that's >> needed. Thank you. >> If that's should be at this meeting or next meeting to >> probably should write one up, huh? >> Yeah, >> write one up for >> bring it back.
>> Yeah, bring it back next meeting. >> A resolution of support for >> Yep. >> And and if they can keep them down there longer, it would be appreciated. >> Wow. Tough crowd. >> Tough. All right. Does anybody else have any more reports? You guys are going to love this. I had sheriff with Barry and
I had AMC District 4 and everything got covered. I I have nothing to >> Well, we're right on time. >> Yeah. >> So, we're good. We are. >> I had didn't have a lot of meetings. All right. So, let's move on to appointments. >> Do we have any appointments? >> I don't think so. >> All right.
>> Um, Mr. Chair, just want to note that I have a resignation received a resignation from the Corman Watershed. Um Tony uh Nistler is not is not um he's resigning for health reasons and um hope we keep him in our prayers for his
journey through his his illness and um put if we can advertise that >> pardon me. >> So is the regional library. >> Okay. Um, that's something
that yes, we'll have to we'll have to advertise for if so the the library here. Let's just the library Ben's Ben's on the library. He he really loves the library and um what hopes that he can continue that at some
point. Um Terry Khil um was our library rep for quite a while. very very um supportive of the and help Morehead get the new library and the headquarters Laurel headquarters and their new building and funding for that. Um so
Terry would like to get on the board for the interim for for at least the time being. So that's that's how this came to be. Ben Ben is on the Detroit Lakes board. So if that's the wishes of the board, um I don't know if we need to advertise for that or not, but maybe we
should. Carrie can look into that and make that appointment at our next meeting maybe. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I would support Terry. Wasn't she a librarian >> for at the >> She's been very active. She's she's um on the library boards and the foundations at Detroit Lakes very one of the most active.
>> Um unless we're ready if you if we don't have to advertise that, we could make that appointment if we wanted to. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean, it's a filling a a seat for the remainder of the term. It's not a like an appointment to fulfill the seat. >> Fulfill the seat.
>> Yeah. >> Is that Do we need to advertise for that or >> I don't I don't I wouldn't think so. >> Could you maybe >> I can do some bring it back and then >> maybe if you can figure it out for our next meeting, we'll >> Okay. Any other thing on >> if it needs to be advertised then
advertis. >> Yeah. >> Well, I think it is advertised right now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think it's currently advertised. >> It's advertised right now. >> The library is >> Yeah, that's what I think was just saying. >> Yep. Um, I do have a little issue with how that was. I think
I think the resignation should not come from the library director. It should come from the individual. >> I would agree. >> Um, I didn't really appreciate Yeah. >> how that was done, but >> Okay. Do we have any more anything else on reports course? All right. So, or
appointments, I'm sorry. Let's move on to our county administrator and we have Liz Kala here from Mohabwa. So please come up here Liz and tell us all the good stuff. >> Thank you commissioners for having me. My name is Liz Kapla. I'm executive director at Mahabha Community Action
Partnership with just a brief update. Um for folks who um aren't familiar with um community action, one-third of our board, we're required by Congress. We're a nonprofit, but we're required by Congress that one-third of our board be elected officials. And so, we've had
Commissioner Varberg has served some terms on our board, and Commissioner Jeepson is currently on our board. So, that's a fun fact. Mahabi stands for, as you might know, Manomomen Hover Becker Outer Tail Wedina, where we provide services. We've been around for 60 years, and our main mission is upward
economic mobility for folks. And so we really see our work as five people coming to us at one of five levels and we help them to the next. So level one is crisis. People might be homeless, um domestic violence crisis, mental health crisis, substance use crisis, but you
know in crisis and so we get them services are connected to other folks who provide services. Then that moves them to level two or they might come in at level two. And this is what we think of as just navigating benefits and services that are available from
services we offer at Mahabi to services the county provides or the HRA or a free meal at the church or whatever kinds of services. Some people who are um falling on hard times. It's the first time. Maybe it's after the death of a
spouse or the breakup of a relationship. um others they've been um struggling for generations and maybe didn't know about some of the services available. So level two for us is getting people connected to services that they qualify for and want. Um level three for us is once
people have the basic needs met, we do relationship based coaching. So we um really get to know these folks really well and focus on um upward mobility. And so we um we help them on paths from an employment
pathway, you know, increasing their income, increasing their hours, increasing their, you know, fixing their transport, you know, whatever so that they can um increase their wages or uh there's employment education, which um is however they define it. So it might be learning a trade, it might be getting
a degree, it might be, you know, English as a second language, it might be getting their high school um or adult diploma. And um and then level four for us is asset building. And we think of assets as saving for a rainy day, you know, fixing your car tires, um
replacing your battery, but we also think of assets as connection to uh friends and family network. And so if you fall on hard times, you've got someone you can call. And um we think of it as connection to faith community for folks who are um interested in that. Or
we think of it as, you know, connection to culture. I'm Finnish and I lean on my Finnish heritage. Nothing like a good sauna to take care of a lot of trouble. So that's level four, just kind of building up assets to prevent against backsliding. And then level five for us
is leadership development, giving back, um you know, helping the next cohort of people climb those same five levels. And so um we serve about 16,000 people across our five counties each year. Um working up these up these levels. We
have a a few um formal partnerships with Becker County. One is um Becker County contracts with us to administer the um childcare assistance program and it's you know one of those super um intensive uh paperworky kinds of
programs and um and uh so you pay us to sort of navigate that to help families and there we work with families and childcare providers jointly. They both have to qualify. um the family gets childcare assistance for the hours that
they're working or going to school or in allowable activities. And so there's just a lot of paperwork and data entry into those systems that are failing everybody. Um we also have a partnership that um you just approved at your last meeting or reapproved for local homeless
assistance aid. Um Department of Revenue has this new program. It's been in place for a couple of years. Um where they pass the money on to where they give state money to counties based on a formula that includes how many homeless students you have in the county. And um
and so uh we have an agreement where we provide the services um to uh homeless families who are connected to our schools in Becker County. Um you we also have a partnership with you, a formal partnership where you provide
funds towards our Becker County senior coordinator and that was maybe a dozen years ago or something. Um you used to employ um a Becker County senior coordinator on staff and it's one of those things where I believe the county
saw a need but didn't see a budget and so we made kind of a deal where we we provide some of the funding, Becker County provides some of the funding. the person is employed at Mahabi and um helps seniors get connected to resources.
Um and then we also uh are a member of the local collaborative funded by the um time study so the children's mental health collaborative. And so we're a active participant with school districts
and the county and others trying to create a web of support so that we can help families before and children before they fall into deeper crisis and kind of connect those services. A couple big initiatives and then I'll see if you have questions for us. But over the last
over the last couple years, a couple things we've been working on at Mahabia Aawwa is the shortage of child care and really our needs assessment found that especially providing infant and toddler care is really expensive for the private sector or for anybody. And so we've
shifted some of our Head Start slots where there's less need in the community and it's more affordable for the private sector to provide care for the older children, three and four year olds. Um so we've shifted away from we still have we still serve some of those kids but
less emphasis on serving those uh preschoolers and more emphasis on serving infants and toddlers just cuz we see as you probably do um so many new parents after they have their baby they can't return to work because there's no no
place for um infant care and so we're really excited about that we just got licensed in some of our centers and are opening tomorrow actually to um so we're excited about that. Another initiative we've been working on is just this issue of family homelessness and how can we do
early identification by partnering with school districts, the county, and others to really identify families ideally before they even become homeless so that we can work with them and the landlords um to keep them stably housed
because once a family becomes homeless um you know, things just start falling apart for them and and we'd rather that not happen. And so the sooner we can catch catch folks to stabilize them, increase their incomes, get them back on
track, um those are a couple initiatives we've been working on. >> That's what I got. Questions? >> Mr. Chair, um Liz. >> Yeah. >> Uh could you provide just an example? I'm not super familiar with Mojave Hatwa. Um could you provide some metrics
just something you're really proud of that's successfully happened in the last couple years preferably in collaboration with the county? Yeah, I um so our it's called SNAP employment and training, but it's really employment and
training. We provide um so for folks who are connected to MIP, they um they get their employment training services in a partnership the county has with rural Minnesota SEP. But for folks who are not um on MIP, yeah, either either they've
run out the clock, they're not interested, or they don't have children. Um if they're connected, uh we help them do the employment training. >> So metrics, I mean, we've served more people, more people have got jobs, >> more people have gotten jobs and
increase their incomes and increase their hours. And so, um, so we help people like, um, maybe they haven't had a driver's license and so they've been driving without a driver's license and we're like, "Hey, as part of this, you got to get a driver's license. You have to have insurance. We'll help you fund
those so that you can get to work safely." And so, yes, um, increasing increasing employment, number of hours, income is one of the things we strive for. And then I'd say I mean if you look back
a couple of years the rapid rehousing um or the we brought in $2.6 million from the state out of the you know surplus funds but brought them into our communities to really help landlords. When we help when we pay someone's help someone pay rent
or get caught up on rent. It's really uh we pay landlords we don't pay you know individuals. But um I think we kept we helped keep a bunch of landlords in business um because people during those COVID years didn't have the income,
couldn't pay the rent, landlords weren't evicting them, and so we were able to kind of catch them up and I think we were able to keep a lot of affordable housing in our community um because of that. >> Thank you, >> Liz. For the early um Head Start that you talked about opening up, are one of
them in Becker County? Yes, a couple of them are in Becker County. Yep. Yep. >> Yep. Detroit Lakes and Frezy. >> Yeah. Yep. Two in Detroit Lakes and one in Frezy. Yep. >> Thank you. >> So, Mr. Chair, if I may, Liz, how many additional spots are you anticipating
that this will create for infant? >> There's eight for each of these slots and so there'd be 24 in Becker County >> additional. >> Yeah. Well, they're converted. So they're new new infant toddler slots, but it >> for that age group. >> Yep. Yep. New for that. >> Yep. New for that age group. Yep.
>> But that's what the need is. I mean I don't think there's a shortage for the older kids. Is there I mean not a significant >> there's a need I think at every age but the older kids it's a little more affordable for um the private sector to
help there. And what Mahabi where we really see our niche is somewhere between what the government can do and what the private sector can do. And then as a nonprofit we we try to kind of straddle that and we do a needs assessment every 3 years to try to figure out how how should we pivot and
so yes I um that's how we came to that focus on infants and toddlers. You know, there's one thing and I mentioned earlier I was at um Lakeland Mental Health meeting and we heard a testimony from one of the employees that work there that one of their clients committed suicide and and
um just just in those testimonies really I mean for board members you're talking you're you know even at your basic level of what you're doing is still talking above us. you know, we're grasping the concept, but those testimonies are what really what when you can bring something to say this is a how this affected
someone in your county and from from either an employee or maybe even the the person who was makes a big difference to those of us who, you know, it's not an everyday thing. We don't really understand it as well as we could or should. And um but those testimonies really drive home that what what you are
doing. And so I'd suggest maybe asking your um staff to say, "Hey, do you have you know >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> We we get stories in our board packet every month." So there's a couple stories in here on how like the SNAP outreach
program has helped and I'll just read it. A client with my with mental health struggles limited income at the time was facing eviction. Chris um Christa who I believe is a coach, right? she's she's um helped this
um individual apply for SNAP um and he was he too was approved quickly but then did not follow through getting the documentation to human services which again is common. It's kind of that crisis mode of trying to figure out what needs to go first. So his SNAP ended um
he was overwhelmed and this individual helped him get back on um track get all of his stuff in so then again he could get that assistance. But the one that I really um appreciate is through the climb program. Those are the stories that we always hear because those are the ones where um this is a individual
regarding climb head start that recently received her adult diploma, was enrolled in college and is working on her first term towards um a degree in geosciences. >> So I mean and I always I don't know if if any of you know, but I was a Head
Start parent and and Allison was in Head Start while I was going to college. So, it's it's one of those things that um it's it's a great program. >> And you live on a farm. >> And I live on a farm. >> I you know, I was glad >> she knows that. >> Carrie, if you maybe if you could just forward those your board reports, maybe
just forward them to us so we can see those testimonies to see you. >> I mean, it's like a hundred pages. >> Well, maybe just >> when we're happy to send some just testimonials to >> But if you could just highlight those testimonials. I mean, I I do that's what that's what inspires us to to
>> I can tell you too that while it's not in um this month's board packet, we frequently have uh success stories of seniors who, you know, seniors sometimes don't want to tell their children that they need help or um or that they're
potential victims of fraud. And so I know um our senior coordinator has worked with the sheriff's department and the police department on helping um helping seniors figure out what's what's happening to them. And then and then also our senior coordinator funded in
part by Becker County um has helped people navigate um just Medicare Advantage plans and save all kinds of money. We've helped seniors um with their tax returns and you know get get resources that way. And so I and mostly
I think it's just a a place seniors can call if they're not sure um what you know about something >> and and get some help. And so that's um we always have stories so we're happy to happy to send some of those along. It's
a little tricky sometimes because we don't want to like identify people but you know we could share them in a way that maintains their confidentiality and Right. >> Yeah. >> Thank you >> Mr. Chair. Um, I was just hoping I know I don't know if you told me this or uh maybe Megan or maybe I read this in your
information but I found the one of the stats that was very interesting. I had asked the question on those individuals that you are assisting through case management or supported housing. Yeah. How many are maintaining their house housing? Yeah. After a period of time and I
>> after one year it was 95% 95% continued to be housed after um you know after after we helped them get stably housed and and then they maintain their housing. So, and the the 5% that didn't, some of them left the area, some of them, but you know, it's it's very
effective work when we can pair some financial resources for like down payment assistance or helping to fix a car um for for our program participants. Um, we could do that and then pair that with the case management or coaching support that uh Commissioner Jeepson
talked about. That's just a really strong model of success because we we go into people's homes and we you know and and um and and see what's really going on and so um and then we can ask them about that and um yeah 95% success rate.
So that's great. >> Thank you. >> Does anybody else sorry have any questions for Liz? >> Well, thank you very much for what you do. We appreciate it and we like we like coach like commissioner Nelson said we love the stories success stories and
>> yeah we'll get more of those to you. Thank you so much. >> Yeah, thank you. >> Um next we have Ashley McN from Sunnyside Care Center and some more good stuff. >> Good morning. >> Morning.
>> Thanks for having me. I'm Ashley McN. I'm the executive director at Sunnyside Care Center. Um I just have an update uh with what's going on at the nursing home. So uh we have 30 beds. I don't know if all of you guys know we're a 30 bed nursing home um right outside of
Lake Park and we currently have 26 out of 30 with our resident um census. We've unfortunately had quite a few deaths in the last couple of months. Um so working on filling back up. Uh currently we have 78 employees which is um we used to have
around 50 to 60 employees. So we're just finding that a lot of people um don't really look for that full-time employment, but a lot of um PRN staff, college students, uh people looking for part-time to offset um when their spouse
can watch their children. >> Mr. Chair Ashley. So 78 employees. How many do you have on staff at any given time? >> Um on any given time, the day shift um usually around 20 to 25. Um we staff
five CNAs on the dayshift. >> That's almost one to one >> for the nurse or oh no. Um I mean we have office staff. Um things like that in that 20. Um for CNAs we have five CNAs to about 30. So 1:6 ratio. Um and
then we staff a TMA on the cart to pass medications and then an LPN or RN. Um and then on the PM shift we staff a nurse and a TMA, four CNAs. And the night shift we have a nurse and two CNAs in the building. So >> things in the 25 you're including
housekeeping housekeeping maintenance administrative work. Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. So dayshift is staffed obviously a little bit higher than the other shifts. Um and then we're currently a five-star facility. So the state of Minnesota gives a number of stars. Um five is the
highest. Um so we've con continued to be a five-star facility for quite a few years. So we're very proud of that. Um and we've had good surveys. Our last survey was in June. Um, and we um, no significant issues, just very minor
things, which we always want them to find a few minor things, otherwise they send in the federal surveyors. We don't want to see them. Um, and then our fiscal year just ended on at the end of September. Um, we had a good uh, positive financial year. So,
that um, is always good to see. Um we do have one of the reasons I am here today also is um to ask for continuation of the ECPN program which is the equitable equitable cost sharing for publicly owned nursing facilities. Um Becker
County has funded that for I want to say the last at least 10 or 15 years. Um the last couple of years we've asked for $7 per resident per day um which comes out to be about $22,000
annually um in this program. So Becker County um would pay for half of the 22,000 and then the state matches that amount um and just a couple reasons. We have had a good financial year um the last
year, but we do have a lot of new things happening with both the federal and the state government. So, Minnesota, we just actually October 1st started a new payment system um for the way that we charge the residents. Um it's called
PDPM. Um and basically, it's a whole new system. So, we're learning how um what assessments we do of all the residents. It gets put into the computer system. um and it kicks out a rate that we charge the resident per day. Um so we're kind
of learning how to utilize that. Um and then Minnesota also did recently just change how they are uh funding us with um what has 100% passed through. So in the past everything we spent on um staff
uh some resident cares it'd be 100% pass through and they are capping some of those. So, um just the way that we're funded is changing. So, that's a little bit different. So, um I am asking that um you guys consider giving us the $7 a
day per resident um again for the next 2026 calendar year. >> Mr. Chair, the um one thing that that you should probably touch on too is the mandatory mandatory in wage increases
that that the state is imposing on what is it January 1st 26. >> Yep. So, um there are new minimum wages that we have to pay all of the staff starting January 20 26. The lowest wage that can be paid in the nursing home is
$19 an hour. Um, so that would be for um dining, housekeeping, anybody in the the building has to make at least that. Um, and then 2350 is the amount that a CNA has to make.
Um, $28, I believe it is, for the LPN. Um, RNs don't have a minimum wage, but >> they set their minimum wage by need. >> By need. >> And then also, I mean, you can't pay a RN more than you can pay an LPN. So, you got to kind of follow that.
>> You know, one one thing that I think um Ashley has done at the nursing home is if you remember in the past few years, we've had, you know, when you have trouble staffing, we've increased those wages incrementally during that time to to make sure we can keep staff on and
and we've done that. So, we're not far away from all those numbers, which was has been good. Um, and I can't I can't express enough how how proud I am and happy we are with Ashley um leading us in this journey. And Mini Wasa um was a
really good fit for us when we trans when we changed over to the um >> from from our previous one. I won't mention their name but um and Ashley was their employee and they were generous enough to allow Ashley to continue on there. So to both companies, the transition was so good and um to both
companies, it it's been a been I think a positive for both, but the leadership that Ashley has at Sunnyside is we are one of the few small nursing homes that are that is making a profit. I mean, one of the few and and we I we are an example for other nursing homes, but uh
I think it's leadership um through through Ashley that's that's driving this and and just want to say thank you for that. I do um I do think that us giving the the $7 a day, the 22,000 is is a very easy yes because we're we're
pay it's it's a nursing home owned by us. So the success is ours and this and that money is matched. Then um this we could go a lot higher, but this is just something that that we've kind of settled in on where our dollar amount goes. And if you know if you know this
now what Mary what is the Sunnyside's cash you know Mary's office manages the the surplus that that we have at Sunnyside. So we're we're paying the nursing home and it's coming back to Mary to get the interest and and the county is getting all the interest on
that money. I mean so it's a it's a win-win for Sunnyside. It's a win-win for the county. Um so I don't know if we need a motion on that or it's just part of our budget. Do we want you want a >> I think she had asked for >> so so I'll entertain a motion to approve
the $7 per day per resident. >> It was half that, right? I mean 22 is the total. You said >> 22 is what Becker County would contribute for the year and then the state matches that >> to 44. >> Y >> Oh, okay. I thought it was 11 to 22.
>> No, it's $7. So the motion would be $7 per day per resident. >> I'll make that motion. >> So we have a motion by Barry. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Erica. Do we have any more discussion? >> Carrie, do do is that budgeted? Do we expect Okay. >> It's the same rate as we paid.
>> Yeah. Same rate as last year. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any more discussion? Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> All right. Motion carries. >> Thank you, Sunnyside. Appreciate. >> Mr. Chair, Ashley, before you go, um, we were possibly going on a road tour
tomorrow to Lake Park. I've driven by Sunnyside a hundred times. Could we add that to our just >> I don't think we can have all this. I mean, this unless we're going to go all day. I mean, seriously, we each stop >> we want to be done by noon, but
>> we don't have to get out in Lake Park. We're just going to see the road project there, right? >> I'm just saying every stop to, you know, you put >> if if we can manage it, could we stop in? >> Absolutely. Yep. >> All right. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you, Ashley. >> Yes. Thank you.
Are we I don't know the route, so I won't. >> Yeah, I don't know. >> Well, we're going to make that up here at the end, I would think. >> I was just saying we could stop for sandwich there. >> For what? >> We want to be done by noon, but >> our lunch. >> Thanks. >> We would love for you guys to >> Or it could be our lunch stop.
>> Could be. >> Or our break stop. We usually have a break. >> We have a break. Yeah. >> And if you need to use the lavatory, it' be a nice spot to >> actually. Yeah, we could do that >> if if depends on where we are in our >> here's my list there. All right. So,
let's move on to Car's report. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I believe, >> Mr. Chair, do we have a public hearing at 9:30? >> 9:30. Yeah. Oh, yeah. It is 9:30. >> It is 9:30. >> All right. Let's do that first. >> Okay. We're going to move on to the public hearing to reclassify the tax
forfeited lands. >> You always get short. >> Yeah, that's right. So, I will entertain a motion to open the public hearing to reclassify the tax for lands. Do you want me to list the uh tax forfeit land partial numbers? >> No, just a motion to open the hearing
and >> I will move to open the meeting to rec classify tax forfeit lands resolution 11 1B 1 C and 1D >> for public hearing. >> For public hearing >> public hearing secondary. >> So we have a motion by Phil and a second by Barry. Do we have any more
discussion? Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. Motion carries. All right. Mary. >> Okay. The notice of this public hearing is to reclassify two parcels of property that we have in Eagle View Township. The first one is under resolution 1B
forfeited in 1947. It's 39.88 acres. Currently, there is a map in your packet on page 14. Um, it is landlocked. We have no legal access to the property, so it'll be
offered to adjoining owners. This was put in conservation in 1948. Both parcels actually were put into conservation um to be held for the public. In order to do a sale, we have to reclassify this
as non-conservation to offer um for public sale. >> Is there anyone? Is there anybody here that would like to speak towards the reclassification of the two parcels? Is there anybody here? Okay. Hearing
seeing none, I will entertain entertain a motion to close the public hearing. >> Um, just a minute. We have we have a second parcel. >> Okay. Oh, yeah. Okay. We have two parcels. Sorry, Mary. I jumped the gun. >> Yep. The second parcel is a 10acre piece which forfeited in 1938. Also was classified as conservation in 1948.
We're requesting um this parcel is also we have no legal access. It does have um tribal land on three sides and one private owner. This would also be offered to um just the adjacent owners for sale.
>> That's on sealed bid then, wouldn't it be? Full seal bid. Yeah, >> correct. >> I think the tribe's pretty interested in in purchasing that. They were at our meeting. So, >> yeah. Y >> All right. So, do we have anybody here forward to talk to talk about the second parcel? >> All right.
>> I did I did I think uh communicate with the tribal members that that person was really interested in that parcel. So, they had to bid a lot. >> So, if they want it, they got to pay a lot of money cuz that person really really want it. So, I I don't know. I'm just kidding. But hopefully we can get as much as possible.
>> You have anything else to add, Mary? >> No, just to close the public hearing. >> Okay. So, I would entertain a motion to close the public hearing. >> Oh, hold it. Don't we need to vote on this? >> We got to vote out of public hearing first. >> Okay. >> So, I need a motion to close the public hearing. >> So, moved.
>> So, motion by Ericup, second by Barry. Do we have any more discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All right. Motion carries. >> Okay. So, um resolution B >> 1B.
>> Yep. 1B. 11251B is to um reclassify this 40 acres and sell put this on sale to adjacent owners. >> So, do I have a motion to approve 1B? Motion by Barry. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Erica. Any more discussion?
>> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. >> All right. Next one is 1 C. >> Motion to approve 1 C. >> All right. Motion by Barry, second by Eric. Do we have any more discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I All right. Motion carries. All right, Barry.
>> So, resolution 11251D covers all of the parcels. We have nine parcels. Five are left over from the May public auction. Um, they are now being offered at the actual amount that was against them in taxes and fees. The
other four parcels were presettlement. They have no legal access. So, we've deemed them as having no public purpose. Um the resolution D and the terms of the sale and the land sale list are all in
the packet. Um any questions on that? Once the sale is completed, we hope to generate revenue from the five previously offered of $9,398.
the four um new parcels, $39,200 for a total of $318,598. >> That's if all minimum bids are met. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> So, Mary, we we can reject bids. >> No, if they meet the minimum, we cannot
reject. >> Okay. So, Okay. Okay. So, the minimum. Okay. All right. All right. >> Yeah. And now remind me does this money come >> the four parcels that we have added are presettlement and that will stay with the county townships and cities the 300,000
>> pre20 like 16 or so >> pre 2016 >> pre 2016 okay so they abide by a previous rule so none say okay yes >> very good >> all right so do we have I'll entertain a motion to approve 1D and the terms of sale and the parcel list >> so moved >> I do have a second I'll
>> second by Do we have any more discussion? Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. Motion carries. Thank you, Mary. >> Thanks, Mary. >> Okay. Then I just want to have one other note. Today is election day. The only current uh local election we have is
Lake Park School District uh 2889 as an election to fill a vacancy. Voting will be going on at the Lake Park Community Center and the Otaban City Center. >> Are those specific to what township you're or what >> school district? Right. But it's Lake
Park Ottaban School District. Can you vote in either one or do you have to go to the one? >> I think you can go to either one if you're in the school district. Right. I'm in Ottaban Town in Lake Ununas Township. Can I vote in Lake Park and or Ottoan? >> Are you in?
>> Not and I was going to say maybe just or I have a bail. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, you can vote in either one. >> Mary, um, what does that cost us to put on an election like this? Just a singular election. I mean, that's our obligation, but what what does that cost us the county?
>> It'll be build back to the school. Um, now for the referendums, there's special referendums, but I don't know what the actual cost is. We've got Well, we've done training, we've got equipment out there. Um, >> well, I'm talking a hard cost, >> 500 bucks.
>> Okay. Now, the soft cost of our time, resources, setting it up, hours or dollars, do you have any? Not for I mean this is a small one. Next year we'll be talking thousands because it'll be a state and
>> just just a reminder too I think the the >> to fill these seats depends on the timing of it. They're they're statally required. It's not like there's this optional this is not optional for the school district. So it's not a >> Yeah, it's not optional. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yep. Thanks. All right. Thanks very Let's go back to Fury report. You
>> sure? >> Yeah. >> I thought we were ahead of schedule. >> We We are ahead of schedule. >> I'll try to keep us on schedule. fast. Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. Um the first order of business is I just wanted to give the board some information. Uh I spoke about this in our finance
committee. There's been a request from Sherburn County out to all counties requesting um support through resolution. This is not a formal action. It's just information um looking to repeal Minnesota's moratorum on nuclear energy. Um this was initiated as I
indicated by Sherburn County. Um this is requested of all Minnesota counties um basically to join the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance uh to actively support the repeal of that moratorum. Uh >> Mr. Chair, um we did ask at AMC or they
did Julie talked about a little bit. AMC does have a policy on this already. Okay. >> That they support the repeal. >> Okay. >> So, um I don't know if the board wishes we can take action. I don't know anything about the organization. I don't know that we need to be part of that but
yeah I don't but I certainly don't know >> kind of what we talked about at finance yesterday that I think we would depend more on AMC >> AMC yeah >> and that is certainly fine this was requested you know by the other counties and I know some counties are moving forward with this other counties are are
like you indicated relying on AMC to bring this forth. So, I certainly don't need to, you know, research this any >> I don't have a problem either way. If if we want to put something together for next meeting to support um it's not saying that we want that in our county um but it's saying that
>> if there's an appropriate place um >> and I think um Julie's mentioned too the the problem in Minnesota is um there's only one site that takes the waste. Yes. And that's the problem. And um >> I think that's within some one of the trib's boundaries and they don't want
any more waste. So >> that's that's the kind of the kicker on it. Where where do you put the waste on this? And even if it's a such a small amount, but um certainly don't have a problem with with getting the repeal taken off and and if the county chooses to have that.
But so it's up to the board. It doesn't matter. AMC already supports it. So yeah, I I I agree with Commissioner Nelson. I don't have any issue with >> So I could certainly bring it back for our next meeting with the formal there was a draft resolution that was sent out by Sherpurn County for consideration if
that's the direction this board would like me to take. I don't necessarily think we want to become a member of the >> whatever they called that, but I think we can support repealing the >> and just just to make sure we're pointing out this is no way saying that we support it in Becker this coming into
Becker County a nuclear site. Not saying that we do or don't. Um we'd have to have a lot more information if we if it was proposed a site in close to us. >> Okay. If I think uh Sherburn County or has a nuclear facility there already
>> right county does and then Shering >> so for an expansion for them I think it's certainly reasonable. >> Okay. So I will bring this back uh next meeting then for consideration and we can address it at that point then. >> Okay. >> Um just an update we are uh fast and
furious rolling out our uh paycom the new HR um and payroll system. Um, I just want to give thanks to the administrative staff and the payroll staff. They've spent a lot of hours uh rolling this out. And as you know, we've got open enrollment right now for
benefits. Um, I know Tiara specifically has been doing trainings and Paycom has actually been physically here and on site helping with the employee trainings, which has been very helpful and kind of working out the bugs in the system. So, lots of hours have been put
into that. Does Tiara have a a kind of a a fact sheet for the dumbest group of people in the working in the county for commissioners to to get through open enrollment >> for yourself? All right. >> Well, I was looking at you speaking for me. >> No, I perhaps perhaps I can inquire.
>> She says call Amanda. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Is that what the sheet me? >> So, Mr. Chair Carrie, most of the work for this I know this is a big deal and a change out has fallen on Ti and Amanda. Um and also our payroll system I mean our auditor treasures department as
well. So they there's been you know >> leading the charge I think. >> Good. >> Um so yes there's ongoing meetings and then as we roll out parts of this it's been um a lot of time and a lot of cooperative effort between the departments. So I just want to uh make
sure that the board understands the amount of time that's going. >> Mr. Chair, I I thank I want to a special thanks to all those because we did add a lot of work. We did. We did. >> And uh hopefully as we get through this, it'll be >> make easier, you know, down the road, but uh initially certainly thank those
staff that have put that extra time in doing this. >> Yeah, I'd like to do that, too. I piggyback on that. I they put a lot of work in and we we remain we threw it on them. So, thank you very much. >> Yep. And just to remind the board, I mean really the goal of this system
really was to um you know um initiate the system so they all work uh cooperatively between departments and and uh lessen our errors and and those types of issues that we were having before. So um Commissioner Hansen and I are are
doing our ongoing training for leading on purpose. I think I have the name correctly. And uh we meet it's been quite a bit of time uh meeting twice a week and and doing our homework in between. Hopefully you're caught up on your homework for this week. >> Was saying hi to everybody when they
walk in part of the homework. >> That was just >> I don't recall that. >> Just having a good day. This is a tough grow. >> I see that. >> I appreciate you saying hi to me this morning. >> I did too. >> And meaning it. >> And meaning it. I I detected sarcasm
myself, but I don't. But I I I guess my own um input from I I I think it's been good. It's been I've >> um it's been a lot more work than I expected. >> Yep. >> Uh it's daily work every day. That's a leading onpurpose thing. So yeah, it's >> Do you feel like it's been worth it
though? >> Yes. >> Eight weeks for me. This is the third week. Um >> remains to be seen for me. >> Okay. I guess that's a fair statement. Um, the sheriff's department had a retire uh retiree party. Um, I think it
was last week on the Is that correct? And for tutor staff, right? >> The week before. Okay. I'm a week off. And there were two cakes. >> Yeah. Kathy Wyn and Liz Seager. So, I just wanted to uh let the board know that it was a very good turnout and we
uh certainly want to wish those two employees a happy retirement. >> How many numbers how many years of experience between both of them? Kathy >> 29 and 17. >> Okay. >> I honestly didn't think Kathy was 29 years old.
>> One more. >> Yes, sir. >> Oh. >> Oh. >> Okay. Thank you. I was just going by names on the cake. I think >> he was >> he was hunting. Okay. All right. And you're anticipating another long-term retirement as well coming up in the near
future. So there's been a lot of years of service that are going to need to be big big shoes to fill. >> Yes, Mr. Chair, a thank you to those employees and and unfortunately I we had a a funeral that day and we couldn't and I couldn't make it, but uh was was really wishing I could come in and say
congratulations on their retirement. But uh yeah, time sure flies. I mean that that's >> Yeah, I like to thank them all too. I was out of town that day. So, but >> reference. >> Yep. >> And probably the most entertaining part of the party was the lyrics to um the
show Cops, right? >> Bad Boys. >> Yeah. The Bad Boy song. I'm sure there's a a recording out there. >> Was it the Child Protection Unit that did it? >> I I They were part of it. I don't know. I >> They did one for me when I left, too. >> It It was uh It was very
>> creative is what I would say. >> Yeah, they're they're very good at that. sound. >> I think you should sing that. >> Yeah, I'm not singing. >> Um, there was a our fire drill that the safety committee has been talking about was conducted at the courthouse and the sheriff's department, I believe, was
involved. I wasn't here that day on October 30th. So, we will talk about how what went well and what didn't in our next uh safety committee and and debrief that. The goal is to do other buildings as well to start getting that routinely done. It was a a lot of uh coordination
with our courts because there's a lot of jury. You know, we're trying to pick a time that was convenient. Obviously, it can't be convenient for all, but we went ahead and did that. So, uh quick update from Denise on the government shutdown. Um on Friday, October 31st, some of you may
know this, there's a federal court uh issued uh an order uh indicating that the US Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds. Um, and so they're still working out, you know, what that's going to look like. Uh, according to what, uh, the state is saying, they
haven't actually received those funds yet. So, they're in limbo, I guess, is what we would say. So, again, just a lot of moving parts and and unknowns at this point. >> And, um, I seen on the Becker County
Food Shelf um, posted that they seen record numbers, um, recently. So, it's you can see the it's trickling down a little bit for our Becker County families. So, >> yes. Um, wanted to make note of a kudos.
We got a a very nice email and so I'm just going to read you just kind of some snippets back from that email. Um, I want to thank you and the members of the natural resource advisory committee for allowing this individual to attend the meeting on October 16th. Um, I enjoyed observing the interaction of the
committee and stayed through the meeting. I was able to see how things work and gained gained an appreciation for the organization of the committee. I have been a participant in local government agencies in Oregon and found the preparation and effectiveness of your committee to compare very favorably
to what I often experience. I also appreciate the coordination with the White Earth Natural Resource Personnel. I recognize that this is an essential to get the maximum return for the resources and efforts for both groups. Mary Hendrickson is well known in my
community in Forest Township. Mary was able to find a prior easement on uh this individual's behalf. She has a very positive uh stature among many of the residents and I can I can join them in saying thanks to her for the service of
her team. Regards, Rick Veronin. Mhm. So, I thought that was worth noting. Um, and I believe unless there's questions for me, you had questions for me. You wanted me to talk about the levy. >> Just I mean preliminary levy, where we at? Have we made any progress there in
levy reduction? >> It's always a work in progress. Um, so, you know, in regards to your question really what we're focused on. Um, just a couple of highlevel notes. Um, we've done some realignment of positions.
specifically, there's been some, you know, ongoing um position allocations in different departments that weren't ne necessarily filled that that were budgeted. So, we've taken a a hard look on those. Um, specifically, there was a part-time budget in one of the departments and realignying some of
those allocations to full-time to try to save money. And actually, that's what we had found in doing that. Um, if you recall, we went out for an RFP on our health insurance because our rate increase that we were anticipating was a 23 to 25% rate increase. So, we were
able to get that down. So, that was a cost savings. Um, one, if you will, saving grace um for our union contracts are settled for 2026. So, at least we can anticipate what our wage increases are going to be. We haven't always had that luxury in the past. We're uh kind
of guessing in the budget, if you will. um you know really keeping budgets within departments flat. There's been no added or additional positions um which has kept our cost down. And there's also been as you all are
aware um you know discussions on what appropriations we have done for community entities and um looking at ways to increase you know revenues. Uh example of that being in the sheriff's department them looking at how they can increase their federal boarding within
to increase their revenues to offset our costs. >> You know a fairly significant new a new thing in in our budget is our onetime payment to the airport. >> I mean that's in this budget which is very difficult to swallow that what
was that 70 80,000 >> 79 I think. I mean, so that's in this budget, which, you know, it really >> a onetime expense like that. I mean, that that that should be the airport should be budgeting that for those
expenses themselves in my opinion. So, I mean, that's one thing that's in there that that kind of hits a little bit harder. >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner Nelson, I I brought that to the attention. you know, the ongoing $45,000 we pay and uh there is a plan for an architectural drawing
to redo the the lobby area there and uh >> well there should be county >> I stated quite strongly that >> going to be >> we would probably not be a participant and they were >> okay with that >> for now >> and you know just you know going off on it at AMC Klay County mentioned that
they they have cut staff I mean they've cut positions um >> yes >> to get their budget done. >> I think there were a couple other Todd County. Is Todd County a part of District 4? >> Um they didn't they they they cut staff but they were all their cost containment. So they weren't people
losing their jobs. They were retire >> right through attrition. >> Through attrition. Yes. Correct. >> But I mean it's >> Yeah. Correct. >> Um >> they're still cutting a position >> just that's it's there. It's there. I mean and it's tough. We are h you know but that's for budget discussion meeting I
think where we move from there. Carrie, do you >> The only other notes that I have uh that are in the packet um just taking note of the township meeting that's coming up in November. I did include Mary had gotten the agenda. It indicated there was an attachment, but we didn't get the attachment. So, I can certainly look or
ask for that. And then >> in here, I saw >> the letter about the cannabis ordinance. >> Oh, that's me. The township. >> The the agenda was in there, but there was no attachment received. So >> on the agenda it said C letter >> C letter >> regarding something.
>> So anyway, whatever that information is, I will try to get that send that out. >> Um and then there was just a note in uh your packet just year end cuto off dates for um for claims >> and that's all I have. >> Okay,
>> you're seven minutes over. >> I thought I did pretty well. I talked. Let's go to let's move on to highway and go to Jim >> page 21. >> Mr. Chair and I think we should take the land use it before any the highway
trail. I mean that's part of Jim's discussion too. Yes. >> At the same time or I guess that might take a few minutes. >> It might take a little longer for that. So I figured we'd do that take a break and then go back down. >> I'm just thinking about when we have a break. I don't think you mind.
>> I go ahead. >> I do need one. Yeah. >> Uh good morning uh Mr. Chair. Uh two resolutions for your consideration today. Uh the first one, resolution 1G, is a state aid advance request. We're
requesting a construction fund advance uh to final out some projects in this year. Uh we're requesting um an amount of $1.4 million. This is to uh
we did some funding shifts on uh the County Road 34 project, the 35 project, and the County Road 16 project. Um so we have done this in the past. Most recently, you know, we did it for our uh public works building where we requested
advance to help finance that. But essentially, it's just borrowing money from uh next year's aotment and uh then we repay that back typically the following year. Uh so we're doing some budget shifts, so it'll probably just be
a one-year advance request. >> Mr. Chair, I'll make a motion to approve 1G. I'll second. >> So, we have a motion by Barry, second by Phil. Do we have any more discussion on >> I think just we had a meeting yesterday and we kind of talked through some of this. I just, you know, this is not
something I want to make a habit of or I need to be educated on this a little bit more. I think we should be paying for stuff in the year it happens, not continually going for advances unless you can tell me why that makes sense going forward from here. And that's fine%.
>> Yeah, it is. It is. it's no interest but and it it happens maybe with larger projects or larger budgets. We we do have significant one of our largest construction budgets with this year and next year is another one. So, >> and >> um it's it's just kind of balancing and
in our five-year plan then we can look ahead and scale back on certain years and projects. >> And just of note, we did scale back one project. We took one project out for next year as of now. Um, I think the other thing that became very evident to me was, you know, it's not like we're
paying 10,000 or 50,000 or 100 the highway budget. We pay millions of dollars at a time. And it's really hard for the auditor's office to know what's coming. So, we need to have better collaboration between paying the bills and highway saying, "Hey, get ready for this. This is coming." I think anyway.
So, um, but it was good discussion yesterday, good meeting. Um we we have some things we need to >> I would like to give our budget meeting a little bit a breakdown of all the funds then just to see where we're at. >> Yep. All right. So we have a motion and a second of 1G. Do we have any more discussion?
>> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. All right. Jim. >> Uh next resolution 1H is a gravel a request for a gravel tax reserve transfer. Um we're requesting that $400 uh,000 be transferred to help finance
the CASA 7 project. Uh this is kind of a catchup. Um uh we had designated gravel taxes in 2022 to be used on 145. Um inadvertently that had never been transferred. Obviously, we can't go back
and do that now, but the seven project kind of falls into those categories of what the statutes allow uh to transfer uh the gravel tax. Uh currently, our reserves are at 700,000. Um we talked about this. Generally, we get about
um $350,000 generated in total gravel tax every year. Uh and >> and then that's distri distributed properly and it doesn't all come to the count. >> Correct. Yeah. 42% goes to the township. 42%
>> I mean >> it's a little disappointing to me because that project was earmarked specifically for gravel tax and I see uh former commissioner Okasen's here and I'm sure he can collaborate that and and I remember commissioner Kudson was here um and and that's how we expressly said we were paying for that project was the
gravel tax because that was not in that budget. So this is a catch-up. Um I don't know how this was not paid for done at that time. I I I asked numerous times if that because I saw that budget always staying and anyway this I don't
know how we missed this but this this is catchup for this money was earmarked for 145. So now we're just paying this other project because this the where the funding came from was out of the wrong pot of money. So >> anyway, I'll make a motion to approve
1H. >> I'll second. >> So we have a motion by Barry, second by Phil. Do we have any more discussion on 1H? >> Um I I just wanted to make a point as Mary had helped me look for over budget stuff. And you know, I was kind of remarking this for recreation uh back there. You know, it's the the the the
verbiage on this is other un unmet reclamation needs or for conservation or other environmental needs. So, I mean, I I still hope we can I I know we're moving some of this money, but I I you know, and we need recreational need highway to to complete some of this
stuff, but I hope we can work together and and and do some of that. That's that was important to me. Now, >> it's cut in half for this. >> I'm not sure I'm not sure gravel tax is meant for recreation, but I think that's something we can I think we can >> It says reclamation needs conservation.
Yeah. I mean, >> of the pits. >> Yeah. Yeah. It did it doesn't say that before that it says there's no abandoned pits quaries deposits located with an account of the portion of tax shall be used for these other reasons if there's no abandoned pits. So I mean >> that that is correct.
>> I think there's also states that a certain 12% goes to specifically for a special earmarked specifically for reclamation. >> No 15% is for the special reserve. That's what we're talking about here as I understand it. >> I think we can clarify that >> regardless. All right. So we have a
motion and a second on 1 H to have any more discussion. Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. I. Motion carries. Thanks Jim. >> Yep. >> Let's take a fivem minute break. >> So back here at 10:05 it'll be a 6 minute break. Just a clarification, Mary did clarify.
Um, the school board voting in Lake Park, Ottoan, it's either vote in Lake Park or Ottaban depending upon your address. Um, depending upon which township. So if you're I I would imagine the the everything Ottoan and south and east and north it
would be go to Ottaban and every >> school park >> kind of the old old boundaries but >> so make sure you get out and cast your vote vote on election day. We kind of forget and I think that voting is what time tonight? 5 what is it? 5 to 8, I believe, is when the school
votes are. >> All right, let's go back to our agenda and go with uh three of you guys. >> It's the best we can come up with. Three of you guys. >> Three of you.
>> Good morning, commissioners. Um, in front of you here today is the just a memo and it's more informational at this point, but uh looking for some direction as well. So, we'd completed the the trail routing study or you could call it the H Heartland trail routing study um that uh first of all make
acknowledgements to Lake View Township and City of DL and Partnership for Health for contributing to this study um and the steering committee those folks that were on that. So, the plan is complete as far as the study. It's on the website. Um, multiple routes were
looked at. Um, those of you that sat in on the Heartland Trail Committee or the RACK or or other public, we had in inputs on this at open houses. So um I guess you know if you want to scroll through the the whole study you can otherwise if you want to look at the
main uh highlights I guess would be um those three areas the north section, middle section, south section which were the recommendations of the firm that did this along with the steering committee as far as looking at variable different factors that weigh in on this as far as
rightaway uh room to go uh public accessibility uh environmental conflicts etc. There's I think there's seven different factors that weigh in on this as far as the criteria to rank them. Um so if you look at the green and blue on the scoring on the map, that's kind of
what it comes down to, I'd say on this trail routing study. The green and blue routes are the most maybe cost effective, environmentally friendly, more right away there. Um that's where we're at as far as what came out of this study. That's not where this thing would have to go. It's just
um what weighed out in favor. So, >> Mr. Chair, uh Mitch, so you said you're looking for direction. Um it's my understanding that we did the routing study, okay, which you're showing right there. Then we went with H Heartland and we decided to take the leftover money
from the trail to Freyszy pending the onetenth of an inch we're off over there if we got to do some work there. That was 500,000. And we were going to spend that to start working on the engineering. Is that the next phase of this? >> Pre pre-engineering and environmental,
>> right? Is it that? >> Yeah, I think so. I'll let we let Jim weigh on in on this. So, >> yeah, that was a um a recommendation from the Heartland Trail Committee. Um so, we're we're looking at that uh corridor to get to Bucks Mill. Um
there's still some variability, but you know, the 59 route, the 17 route, >> uh it's the township roads on the uh south end of uh Melissa there. And so uh that was kind of the goal. I think uh
there's some flexibility, you know, when if we find any fatal flaws or hurdles of wetlands or rightway things, you know, we can adjust, you know, within kind of that whole area, though. But I I think that was kind of the whole intent where we started the study is kind of the the
end point was Bucks mail. Um whether we continue on from there and go west or I know there's you know need to look at other routes through the rural areas of the you know some of the townships and
stuff but overall I think uh you know I think that's a a good place to spend. And I think the the H Heartland Trail Committee kind of thought that was a place to spend the money at this point, >> right? I mean, Mr. Chair, my biggest disappointment was that Dun Locks was
going to be a dead end, but that that I don't think that's necessarily the case. Either Bucks Mills or Dun Locks will be probably be a dead end, but we're going to go from there. Maybe we go through Dun Locks and then go out to the Corats and uh I mean that's my idea. I mean, that's just my personal opinion. Maybe
go to Bucks Mills and then go to the Corats. Uh but that remains to be seen. Mr. >> Chair, I guess my concern with this is Buck, you know, is the end I mean, if this is a continuing to go to meet up
with more, you know, to the Morehead branch, >> Clay County. Yes. >> I mean, is this if if Bucks Mills is a dead end, I think that's a that's an awful long way to go for a dead end. I think if we start looking I think you start looking at
um and Judge Carlson drove me that that North Pearl Lake road um I mean there's pinch points there but it's nothing like nothing like going through Sally and Melissa that's that's just I mean I don't think that anyone thinks that's doable but I mean if our goal is to get to Corman then going back up north I
don't know if you really want to go all the way to Bucks Mills I mean it's just for a dead end that's that's a lot of that's a lot of resources to go down to that dead And >> Mr. Chair, Commissioner Nelson, but remember what they're doing at uh Bucks Mills there. I mean, they're going to be
doing the wershed and is the fiscal host for the DNR project there. That's going to look as good as Dun Locks does when they're done with that and they're starting on that this fall and they'll be moving dirt and stuff next year. >> Well, we will have to buy a lot more property if we want >> any more that is any
>> that is true >> tourism to go. I mean besides a minimal walk in I the it's a rock we it's not going to be anything like Don locks it's going to I mean unless unless there's a lot more put into it. I I just it's a beautiful spot to take a bike trail to
go all the way down there might be a little bit much. I mean there's going to be enough traffic off Highway 59 to enhance that and a tourist spot just on road traffic. I don't know if you want to route a bike trail to that spot and then go backtrack. I mean, then go back
up and and I I just it just if you're if your goal is to go go west to eventually meet up, I don't know if this is the best use of money because you're not getting there. You're not you're you're not getting in the direction you want to go. >> Not west. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. I I know um we did when you look at the master trail plan I think uh there's a lot of alternatives kind of laid out there and um you know that was done a few years ago there were some preferred routes those have changed too
you know that pinch point between Melissa and Sally um it's you know it's attractive it's a lot of use but it's going to be a shared road it's not going to be a a separate a trail, you know, for um
you know, kids to be off the road or whatever and riding bikes like that. So, I think this one route looking south, you know, there is still potential to carry that uh down to County Road 20 and east over or west over to uh like the
Zorbas area. I know there's a lot of interest over there. uh and then bring the trail up uh into corn that way. There's ways to go up I think too like yeah our county road 20 or on 138 and I
think there's a lot of options here but uh I think there was a a thought that this could continue on our um 147 down to 20 and go west on on 20. Um but uh you know we haven't had those public
meetings and stuff like that to gather all those inputs. Uh so I think it's Mr. Chair there's uh seems like there's there's two ways to do this. I mean we could go Highway 10. I mean that's probably the easiest and probably most cost effective way to get to Klay County
just right along Highway 10. But people who walk, bike, I I'm just of the belief that that's not the kind of thing that people want to see. Um, this Highway 59 thing, it it seemed like with was it Houston that did that? Um, you know, it
seems like it was just the path of least resistance. We tried to push, can we get through we fist? Well, it's like it was almost too much work to do it. I said, well, this is what we came up with. and they said they can do some ins and outs around a couple small lakes along Highway 59 possibly. Um, but once again,
they were the trail routing study. Once they were done, they washed their hands of it, then it's on to someone else. So, I I think this is all still on the table. How how we get through East Pearl Lake, uh, certainly an option. Let's
let's see some plans on how to do that. But I I'm not disappointed in anything we've done here. I mean, Commissioner Nelson, you kind of said, well, people want to be on a bike trail to get somewhere. I think a lot of people just push their, you know, it's it's safety. It's off the road. It's it's Melissa
Sally. In the summertime, you got people rollerblading, walking their dogs, pushing baby carts, and they'll use maybe a portion of it. I would think it it it maybe isn't a destination, but for those people around Melissa Sally, I think the destination
for Dun Locks would be for them. Good for them. But I think another key part of this is I mean to that I mean we're trying to attract people to go out and and go down a couple miles and back. I mean I think parking areas are significant. I mean I
I just from we need to have designated areas for people to park alongside these also. It's not just a matter of these people running the 10 mile down and back. I mean, if you want to do a couple miles, especially an attractive one like we have in Dun Locks. You I mean, even
in the city of DL, we should designate an area or someplace that oh, you can park here and you can bike down to Dun Locks or you can bike up town to to Zorbas. I I think without without those, it's it's it's uh >> Mr. Mr. Chair, Commissioner Nelson, we
we've tried to address that a little bit along Highway 59 going to Dun Lock. We put a little extra parking in there this summer. >> Um I think we're I mean our our major population base in Becker County is Detroit Lakes. I mean there's always people walking out to Dun Locks. I think
>> you know maybe they can go farther now. They can maybe get to the golf course. Um I I can see a kid riding a bike with his clubs on the back safely if we get the bike trail in. Go down golf couple holes and head back. Um, I mean, I guess that's the way I kind of view it. I I
would have preferred to go through we fest somehow, too, but I I just too many obstacles, too many hurdles to get over. I mean, that's my my opinion. So, yeah, like Jim alluded to that Heartland Trail Committee made the
recommendation or vote or whatever it was to um possibly, correct me if I'm wrong, with the 2023 bonding funds, which were kind of limited on how we use those um that were set to expire. You went down to the legislature and got that changed. So, it expires in December
of 2027. I believe Jim, correct me if I'm wrong, though, that engineering funds could be used for this route. or not. >> Uh that was the indication that we got from the >> Kenar Kstar. Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> We did this study here. So um yeah, I guess if you feel there's more input you'd like to get on this, that certainly could be done. And um when we look at that funding, it
expires in 27. Um but if we um do something similar to like what we did in phrase Z uh and develop a plan where we would lead this um we could get that money uh
secured by 2027 and then that work could continue after it as once we get that agreement when that once that agreement is made between us to like lead this and then those funds become encumbered that gives us a little extra time to do it. I think we just I think we're thinking
here we're going to wait through this winter and then see if there's any more needs for the trail going to Freys uh if any more funds are going to be used there. So we we and then at that point whether we go out for RFPs for engineering on this phase or if you if
we want to look at other options we can do that too. I think probably would need discussions in the H Heartland Trail Committee again or maybe we need more public engagement on that too, I guess. >> So, Mr. Chair, is my understanding that these funds could only be used for certain things and the engineering down
to Bucks Mills was was a big one. Could I mean, is there a way to use them to to hook up with Klay County uh to a trail uh a guide or something like that? I don't think they could be used for that, right?
Uh they're just designated for preliminary engineering and environmental studies and design not construction. Uh the only place we can use them on construction is between DL and Freys. Well, but obviously that's all constructed now. So I don't know
that we construct anything more there, but it's it's within the entire um Becker County. So we could look at other sections too if >> and we we did do that. We looked at Park Rapids Oage the Park Rapids where people
were on Zoom and um we looked at Freys through the trails to Oage. We we did look at some of those things and this is what we decided. Um Mr. Chair, uh M what what direction I I guess I'm still not clear on. Are you
looking for some What direction are you looking for here? >> I think Jim said, you know, maybe wait till spring to see what happens with that new stretch if there's if there's maybe bonding funds that have to be spent on that. Correct. >> What the remaining whatever's left of that um trying to find a way to how to
spend that and >> and and we decided that in the H Heartland Trail meeting, right? Didn't we decide that? >> Who's who's the who's has the final say on where the money gets spent? >> That's a question for you. I guess I don't I don't know historically how that set up. So, >> well, it's always been the Heartland
Trail that's made that recommendation and that and recommendation or whatever. I think I guess the DNR actually has the ultimate say, I think, on on where it's been. They said this would be a a se a segment that we
could do or any other segment along the the uh study that they did way back in the I don't know, >> yeah, the early 2000s or something. early 2000s >> which is along the Highway 10 corridor
>> and we don't know yet where Klay County is coming. >> We do. >> Yeah, Klay County is plans to come in uh on our uh west of Lake Park. >> Okay. >> I mean, I I I do agree. I think 59 is
not real scenic, you know, as far as a a bike trail goes, but >> and and we had talked about that. We would prefer it on 17. There are there are some rightway issues on 17. >> Mhm. >> Because of that, it's not on the
highway. I think there's some areas that we probably all recognize it can't go through. You know, it can't go through on the on was it Lake Lake Sally on that woodland lane where the snowmobile I mean that's just that's just not doable. It's just not doable. It's not doable.
>> Um I think going through hotel or going to sh through shore I don't think it's not doable unless you want to ride the road the whole way. It's it's not doable. They didn't want it and it's not doable. But Dun Locks back up to County Road 6 and somewhere there. I mean, we
had discussed that at some time and, you know, this is the first I heard of East Pearl and I heard they're redoing that road. So, I I mean, those are all options, too. >> I think we should probably see where that comes in on Klay County where there where there is, too. And um you know
what I mean every every mile costs a lot of money and if we can get this trail to what we I you know >> I mean I think if the goal ultimate goal is for us to connect to Klay County it seems awfully expensive to go south so
far to go back >> Mr. Chair >> west if that's the goal. I mean I don't know what >> Commissioner Jibson then then the easiest way would be to get on Highway 10 and go straight and hook up. I mean and that's that's the discussion we have all the time.
>> Which way is the best way? Which is way has the least >> or you could go in the middle, right? Maybe maybe what provides the most scenic route
>> and the easiest as you're going towards Clay. >> Lake Park is north of here also. I mean remember we're >> so if we go straight west we're going to have to go I mean we're going if we go Highway 10 you're still going north. It's, you know, depending upon where but I mean if you start looking at um going
straight west on six then then zigzagging down Cormand and then up that way it would be I mean if if you're looking at a connectivity wise I in my opinion that would be your best your best option. >> I agree but
>> all that costs money costs time. Yeah. >> I think we I mean if the goal is to connect in the short you know in Yeah. in our lifetime, you know, is is something that >> I we're all getting up there, I tell you. I'm not
>> I'm not. So >> I think we're I think um we're looking at how much what monies funds are available after this and then I think we need to have some you know we have to have some public hearings and seeing what what is what is the wants and we've
heard from the study and when and we look I mean I think we have to look at the bigger picture that the connectivity of this and and I would love to go to D go to Bucks Mills because we hope hope to enhance that and make that kind of a unique experience down there.
But um at at that cost, if it's if it's going to cost and then if it costs us to go west and get out of there again, that's going to be >> Well, it was either one or the other or both. I mean, I I don't know. I guess >> do dead end there and then go go I mean
those are the questions we look at. >> Correct. >> If we're doing a dead end there, we're still not >> getting west >> getting west to Klay County. >> Mr. Chair, Mitch, Steve, Jim, we've had a robust discussion here. Do you have direction or do you have a specific
question that you need us to answer? >> No, I I think we're something we should probably uh revisit at the H Heartland Trail Committee and uh I know we had a little bit limited engagement there. There's some players that weren't involved there, the city of Detroit
Lakes and some others. And if there's, you know, we've we've had some people move off and move on and and stuff and the committee and we can just gauge it from I think that committee on if there's more we should do. >> We really do have some time here because we got to see what the phrase trail is
like in the spring. Yeah. And hopefully Okay. So >> I think so. >> Okay. That that makes >> Are you guys okay with that? >> Yeah. >> I think we need to look at this more. Okay. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Jim and Mitch and Steve. All right. We have the or sheriff. >> Good morning. >> Morning. >> Morning, Todd. >> Uh, Mr. Mr. Chair, members of the board, I have three items on the agenda this
morning. Uh the first one is a Glock service weapon tradein. Glock offers uh tradeins for our current Glocks and uh we would be looking at
purchasing 33 new Glocks. The price for 33 is 24,156. The trade-in allowance is 9,765, which gives us a total of 14,391
just for the the service pistols. This does not include the holsters or the lights. The lights would be an accessory as well. With the uh accessories, we're looking at a a total of 23,796.
Um, >> Mr. Chair, we we um discussed this quite at length at and committee showing the the sites and the and the >> light the kind of like the sites that
there are a say it's a light and it's like a like an under like in the old days of your deer on you it's an under you. So you can use it without the scope or or with the scope. It's a dot within there and it's so it's zero. Um um and
the other thing is is in this 2025 budget. It's in the budget item. It's a budgeted item for purchase. >> So um it my question was are we are we forcing this on deputies something? that um we were told that um after they've
reviewed it and the deputies looked at it, there was they all supported trans moving to this type of uh site and and weapon. If I may, uh yeah, we did the research testing with these uh uh new pistols and
uh in that testing it showed a significant increase in accuracy among I would say most of the deputies. Uh >> Mr. Chair, Todd, you said it it is in the budget. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So then we get Go ahead.
>> Yes. the the the one uh >> issue we have is right now Glock is 200 days out. >> That was as of last week. >> Uh I have the bud or have the money in the budget this year for 25. What what
can we do to purchase these and uh >> but we suggested that finance could fix that to figure out are we going to start a are we going to start a fund for >> we kind of fixed it. So we what we came up with in finance was to what was the the clean way to do it would be to pay
for it all right away. That was the cleanest way. But I but in our past practices we don't do that till we get a >> this is this is a state bid right or >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And it's and and and in Todd said that they're going to be we we order them. They're going to come or they're
going to be here. We have no issues with that. So but in the past we have not done that. >> Miss J. I'll make a motion to purchase the >> Mr. Chair, I withdraw my motion. What
>> the one other thing is the um the we have not received the lights. Um there's two lights that are coming and uh two holsters to try. So they're they're close in price, but uh
obviously they're different. We have not decided on which holster or lights we were going to go with. we would like time to um you know make a decision on which ones to go with. I'm not sure if there's a >> So what we talked about in finance was that we would approve up to 25,000
uh and and Todd said that would be plenty enough to cover the expense if we got different lights or holsters that were more expensive. >> Well, Mr. Chair, why why don't we just wait and bring it back when you have a final? Does is this time sensitive? >> Yeah,
>> it is. Yes. to get the gun or to get the accessories or >> Well, the uh the guns for sure. Yeah, the guns with the optics. That would be that's one it one unit. >> Uh the lights and and holsters would be would be uh separate. Of course, you'd
like to get them at the same time. >> Well, you don't want a gun that won't fit in a holster. I mean, that's what you're talking about. You need >> Well, we we'll get a holster that fits the gun. So that's why that's why I came up that's why we talked about ordering them all. I mean ordering the gun
>> all from the same company. Correct. Correct. Yes. >> Yeah. Except for the other the one holster wasn't but >> Yeah. >> So the mo motion should should be a motion to authorize the sale or the the tradein of the current Glocks for new
new weapons and the purchase of the holster lights. um for the total purchase of all the items of no more than $25,000 >> and 33 put 33 in there. That's the number. >> Correct. >> 33 33 >> 33 guns, holsters, and lights. >> Oh, the number of units
>> and and then authoriz want to amend that say authorization to purchase them immediately like pay for them immediately >> to to be to be allowed to be paid in full >> upon order.
>> Okay. So, we have a motion by Barry. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Phil. Any more discussion? >> Um Todd, uh um is this something that happens? You we talked yesterday there's seven years to trade out Glocks. Is this is this something you do every seven
years or how do you determine better guns come out? >> We're just completing our eighth year with our current round uh current uh issued pistols. >> Okay. Uh there is no set date or or set set amount of time. Uh but
with a recent incident, we feel that uh purchasing guns with optics is the best route to go for the safety of uh not only our deputies but citizens. >> Okay. So as new technology comes out, you will decide when the next time to
buy new guns would be 5 to 10 whatever. >> Yeah. new technology comes out. Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. And then you'll you'll put that in your budget so that >> obviously. Yeah. Okay. All right. >> All right. So, we have a motion and a second. Any more discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. Motion carries. >> All right. Todd. >> Thank you. Uh number two, we'd like to purchase subscription for our Celebrate equipment. This subscription would be for uh 15 phone unlocks starting from December 1st of 2025
through November 30th of 2026. Um the uh the unlocks uh again are crucial for uh helping solve crimes such as serious uh um serious crimes including you know homicide crimes against
children and other uh obvious >> Mr. Chair this is a investigative to investigators tool to unlock phones of those through search warrants but then we still have to get them unlocked and this is also in the 20 25 budget. Yeah.
>> Um in the past we've been um utilizing Ottertale has been gracious enough to do it for us within their budget and not been charging us but they've indicated that they >> Yeah. And then if we and then the another option would be to send them to Celbrite which takes months >> to get it back which is too long to wait
for crimes like that. >> Mr. Chair, >> time is of the essence. >> Mr. Chair, I will move to approve the >> celebrate contract. celebrate contract to unlock subscriptions um
>> to unlock >> $5,565. >> I'll second. >> Okay. So, a motion by Phil and a second by Erica. Do we have any more discussion? >> Um Todd, you said that's an annual. >> This is an annual subscription.
>> Use them or lose them. Todd, how many like in your regular work or uh how many phones do you got unlock uh annually, monthly? Depends. >> I'm going to defer that to Lieutenant Swiry right now.
>> It all depends year, but >> has the information retrieved been valuable to Okay. >> It just happened again recently with a serious uh assault. >> Okay. >> And without that, it would have been much longer to come up with that.
>> Just >> that's how they cut those thieves, them jewelry thieves. Did you see that? >> In I didn't see that. >> Was that Shane that caught them in was that Paris real life? >> Were you over there >> in France? >> Yeah. That's how they caught him. You got the one guy's phone and
>> the other thing is too, you know, timeliness. Another thing is if you if you're aware of how the phones work, you can erase those phones at after a certain I mean >> Mhm. >> So if someone gets possession of your phone, you can go in on another phone or on your Mac, you know, on and erase
those. So it's timeliness is very important. >> All right. So we have a motion, a second. Do we have any more discussion? >> All right. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Motion carries. And finally, number three, we have a uh we had a request to uh
for a piece of uh ballistic glass uh from a local uh church school. And uh um at at our committee meeting, it was decided that we move forward uh to do this uh by sealed bid or by public
auction. Uh >> I think I think the wordage should not have been like this on the board packet the donation. I mean it was brought to us as a possible donation but I in my opinion now the board has can make the ultimate decision. We cannot donate. We cannot just give county property away.
>> Um even if it's for the best of causes. Um I think it's our duty to and I just put this on a local se I mean I don't care but it has in my opinion it has to >> and we agreed to finance it. It has to be >> it has to be public offered. You can't I
mean otherwise I could say well Lake Park School wants one of the patrol car. I mean for a I mean it's just you just have to it that's my opinion but the board can decide that but at committee I said and I think Dave agreed that this should be some sort of sealed bid and
and the church can put a bid in on it and I I don't think it's something that there's a lot of people looking for but >> Mr. Chair, I will move to um allow the ballista glass uh to be set for public
auction or public >> public sale. >> Public sale. >> I I and I we agreed it should be disposed of through but it should be some sort of public offering. >> Do you need any more on that? >> Nope. >> I think that's fine. I I think I need to also say uh this came from our old
dispatch center when we upgraded in uh 2020 and uh so it's it's been it was used for the safety of our dispatch center and now it's uh it's just sitting there. So if if it can be used that's a good thing. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Do we have a motion by >> motion to dispose of the government property through >> public sale >> through the public sale of some sort determined by the sheriff? I don't. >> So, we have a motion by Phil and who second it.
>> I might have if you >> second by Barry. >> I will if >> I don't think you did, but we we will. All right. So, do we have any more discussion on it? Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Todd. >> Thank you.
>> Now, we have Kyle >> with two items. Three. Four. >> Four. >> I'm leaving after two. I didn't vote to add those other ones. >> I don't know. So, that's a surprise. Um,
good morning, Mr. Chair, commissioners. >> It's your wanted guidance. >> Oh, okay. Um, of planning commission recommendations for your consideration this morning from October 29th. First being a dock and lift company to include
storage. Just a clarification through the planning commission. There will be no retail um included in this application. So docs on site, lifts on site. They'll come back if they ever choose to sell anything. Recommendation to approve.
>> And was this just for the one storage building, right? >> Um I would say it's open to more in the future if they choose to. I don't think we've ever normally limited them. Um, you certainly could, but >> I'm not familiar with it, so I can't.
>> It's in your >> It's in your district. >> So, the only the only the only thing I thought of is >> is if they want to build buildings, do they have to come back to us? >> No, that's what the problem with this is. >> Yeah, I I >> you could limit it to um what's in the
proposal. I think there's my computer died while I was sitting there, but um there's one there's one proposed building there and there would be some outside storage and they talked about future buildings. >> Would you want the >> in the cuff? It did say future.
>> They did say that. Yes. >> To me, I would I and I don't have any problem with with them doing it. I just would like if they're going to build more buildings then we might want to have certain you know we might want to have some guidelines. So maybe that
would be my recommendation to if if they are going to add more storage buildings to store more boats and >> make >> just looking at the location of it. >> So I'm going to make that motion. I'm going to make a motion to
concur with the planning and zoning commission with the with a a stipulation that if they're going to add more buildings for storage that they come back to the county board or go back through back through planning and zoning and then the county board.
>> So limited limit them to the proposed 30x60 building first at the northeast side and then it says storage units >> building to be built in the future. unsure of size yet. Those you want to come back? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, I'll make that motion. >> Second.
>> So, we have a motion by me and a second by Barry. Do we have any more discussion? >> The one thing that I just I I wanted to bring up to the board is at this time they're not proposing any fencing or any anything around it. So, I don't know if
that's typically that's been something we've trees wanted. >> I prefer no fencing and trees. Not you know that's >> Yeah. But this is just an open field with >> Well, it's not an open field. There's housing. There's houses being built all the time. I think I don't know what near
this map is, but there's a house a new house here in this lot right here or here sold already. I mean, so it's a residential area. And I don't like the the and I don't think anyone in the community likes the storage common the
common interest community storage buildings because they're just so dense and so And this is this is more my understanding for right now is they go and remove docks from lakes and then they're storing the docks on this
property is what is planned right now. >> Mhm. >> But if you if you approve a common interest community >> Well, this isn't a common interest community. That's not what we're approving. >> No, this would be like a this would be like JNK. They have a building, you
know, north side of the 59er. That that's what this would be. Not not malt, not like a >> I I do notice the lot ne I mean, he's selling lots and one sold. And I do notice that um I pretty sure the one I
think just sold might be the adjoining property, you know, so they didn't even get a chance to um get notice of this. So that's that was my only thought was do we want to add some kind of requirement to have screening
>> screening >> and what would that be >> would we could we table this one? I mean I mean is it something that >> I no I mean I would think
given the time of year I would think all the docks and lifts are already out so there must be storing them somewhere else. Um they did say during the meeting that this wasn't contingent on their purchase. >> They did say that. So >> so maybe even if we just table it till
our second meeting in November. >> Yeah. I mean I just to get I don't know. >> Would you like them here? Would that help you? >> They don't have to be here, but I mean, I hate to put restrictions on them without them being able to address those. >> Yeah.
>> You know, without saying, you know, this isn't that's not what we're doing anyway. So, I mean, >> I did ask them last Wednesday if they intended on putting any fencing or barriers around it, and they said no, that they didn't intend to. But
I didn't ask, would you be opposed to it? I didn't ask that question. I I I think on I mean they don't have to do screening on the on the west side that's just all I mean that's all open but on the if I'm I'm thinking of the property
next to them might be just sold and screening on the but again if it's if it's seasonal docks and lifts I'm not sure that's >> so it's only winter time like that they would have the >> them stored there >> storage there
>> well with the with the storage building and um I think that would probably suit us for now. If they want to expand then we can require screening. >> So we did have a motion in a second. >> So the motion in the second states that that if they come back for more then
building >> then we could do any of we could do those things screening whatever we need to do. >> I think that would work. >> Okay. >> What do you think Kyle then we could get a little more detailed on how to screen it from the joining property? That was my thought anyway was making
that. All right. So, we have a motion second. We have any more discussion? Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> All right. Motion carries. >> Um, second item was a request for a retaining wall. I'm going to be meeting
this afternoon hopefully with the DNR and SWCD on how we can solve our retaining wall limbo that we're in right now. We obviously had some amendments proposed. it went to the planning commission. There was discussion that it should go back to the tech panel to
maybe get some clarification on how we can review them. Um so I would just suggest with this application that um if there is any recommendations from the tech panel that they're followed >> from the tech panel for this one
specifically. >> Yes. because this is a replacement. >> It's a Yes, there it is a replacement. I mean, I questioned the applicant pretty thorough thoroughly at the meeting, but there is a bluff on site there. So, I would like a little bit of more
oversight on it. But again, to your point, it is replacement. It's not new. So, and it's not very tall. um >> 31 in or >> Yeah, >> they did want to do some removal of there's some railroad ties.
>> Yeah, >> that they may need to dig out, >> right? >> But >> I guess I'm not What's the question for this for this one? What why would we not just appro recommend to approve like
>> so normally we have we've been reviewing them through the SWCD and the DNR and when we brought up continuing to do that at the planning commission there was some discussion I guess
both Commissioner Hansen and and Jeepson were there I it seemed like a little bit of push back >> from SWCD >> yes but I don't know if that just because we weren't clarifying what we were actually looking from them. Um,
like again, previously Ed and and Roger Hempill and I would go out and look at these and they would kind of make a recommendation. I don't have that on this one because >> can we approve with their with conditional >> conditional on their approval? >> That's kind of where I was going and I'm
I'm hoping this afternoon that they'll we can convene doing what we were doing. Um, I don't know. Like I said, Brian was a little on edge, I'd say, about it, but I think, you know, with some discussion with Ed and Roger and him that he would
probably be okay with doing that again. They don't have any liability. They're just giving us, you know, if it fails or something, it's not like somebody can come after them. They're just making some suggestions to us. So, I'd like to continue that. Um, I just
>> we didn't have that in place for this one. The motion would read approval upon um soil and water and DNR's approval and and their re and supporting their recommendations. >> Yes. >> Um if if they choose not to, then it comes back to us for consideration
again. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I would say at the at the worst what they're going to do is probably suggest that an engineer be involved and then that at that point that would be up to that applicant because I think those guys are both comfortable. If an engineer was going to
put their name on it, they would support it. So that would be the worst case. I will make the motion to concur with planning and zoning pending the approval soil and water >> soil and water and DNR sec their
recommendations follow their recommendations. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we have a motion by Barry and a second by Phil. Do we have any more discussion? >> Yes. And with that, I would like it to be um if they decline if DNR and soil and water decline that, then it comes back for the board, the county board,
not planning zoning. It just comes back to us at our next available meeting. >> Okay. >> That's so that's an amendment. You good with that? >> Yes. Okay. So, we have a motion to >> Yep. And second, >> uh, any more discussion? >> Okay. All in favor signify by saying I. I. >> All right. Motion carries.
>> All right. >> Um, I had we pretty much went through the planning and zoning the the the conditional use permit for the retaining walls right now. That's what I wanted to talk about. I think we you have direction on that, right? >> I do. Are you able to meet this afternoon by chance?
What time? >> I haven't set the time. I They just Roger just confirmed he could meet. So, it's wide open. >> Okay. So, Barry, you'd have to You have time to We're on the You talk about the tech panel, right? >> Any of you that would be willing to meet? >> We can't more than two of us.
>> Yeah. >> This is You're talking regarding the retaining wall zoning ordinance, >> right? and and both both how we move forward both is the way I understand >> with the >> more solely about the amendments
themselves that were brought to the planning commission and Commissioner Nelson was involved with that but also were you so either one of you I would >> yes early early afternoon would be better >> okay >> not late in the day so >> try right after lunch
>> um it be difficult for me too. >> Well, as long as one of you is there, you can >> bring it back. >> Trust me. >> Yeah. I mean, I I think we kind of went you can just relay what we were talking about.
>> Okay. All right. >> Try to set that up then. >> All right. Then the last then >> the last thing I had uh Kyle was we talked about this this summer is uh conditional use permit enforcement. >> We don't really have a mechanism for that. Uh so we
offer it and then uh we thought can you come up with a plan for that over the winter? >> Well that you basically what we do is what we've done in the past is brought them here for consideration to revoke the conditional use permit and that
normally steers people in the right direction. I think one of them we did it with was the Dollar General. um they weren't following some conditions, but >> So you have I I mean I didn't know that had been done before. >> We we didn't revoke one, but with them
being on the agenda, that sent the message. >> They corrected their behavior immediately. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, I just think with if we're going to be issuing conditional use permits, we should make sure that people are following them. There should be some kind of an enforcement mechanism if people aren't following them. I think
that would lead into our bladed properties issue, too. So I just and we had talked this summer that winter we would have more time to view some of that stuff. That's >> we certainly would but I mean if you have a problem one right now >> no I don't Yeah permits we can pull
them. So a little easier than lighting properties aren't aren't the same. There's no conditional use for us to pull. >> That's true. >> Mhm. >> Right. So I mean we it's just kind of basically complaint driven like that Dollar General that I believe that was a lighting issue or something. they were
supposed to be off at a certain time. They weren't being shut off. So, we brought that here and basically this board said, you know, we're going to give you one chance. And then they started following that. But that's would be my suggestion. If you get complaints or we get complaints and and they're not
listening, I would put it on the agenda for your consideration to revoke. >> And then you we could we'll have to have a pol I mean, you'd have a policy saying, you know, you know, you're on double top secretation probation. >> You know what, Mr. Mr. Chair Kyle, I was looking for a little more than that. The
conditional use permits, what would you say we do 30 or 40 a year? >> Probably somewhere. >> Um, I was thinking we go back and and and specifically, so we treat everybody equally. We go back and look at the last >> monitor them, you mean? Or >> Well, at least a one time monitor.
>> Yeah. No, that's fine. >> Um, >> absolutely. I'm not trying to make more work for you, but I I want to be fair. Yeah. >> But I want >> I think some of the, you know, when we do make concessions to these per, you know, these conditional uses, the neighbors want those. They're asking for some of those,
>> you know, things on it. And we don't I I've always supported that we that we monitor those and to some degree and not make special trips out there, but if if you're out um say you're up in an area and there's a site that has a condition, I mean, we have you have to be actively
have a list of them. But if if you're driving by one, say, "Hey, I'm going to just swing in real or I'm driving by. I'm going to look to see if this is done." And yes, and just to >> No, we can do that. >> I would like that. And I would like a like a like a list of conditional use
permits that have been followed up on. And >> some of some of them as time goes on though are I mean we're going to find some that that are in violation, but there's no there's not there's no
negative kind of there's nothing negative from that. So I mean I'll give you an example. There's a there's a place by me that was put in as a lawn service area and they they got they've gotten conditioner used to do that. So it's a lawn care business that built
this building but there one of the conditioners no outside storage. Well now it's sold. There's no business there. Now it's a private owner use it for their own personal use and they have a camper and some decorations. No, they're in violation because that's still with that property. Um to to >> But doesn't doesn't the conditional use
permit after so long of not being in use? So like that business once that business that's just initially >> I think it's just initially, isn't it? >> I think there is a discontinuence of >> but this Yeah, I think >> after so long >> it does not it does not take effect into the old ones prior to that two-year. We
just did that two-year thing. I'd have to look into that a little bit. >> But the older ones, I don't think we can put a rule on old ones that before that. >> Sure, >> Mr. Chair. I think you're talking about a couple different things. Um, you're really talking about complaint driven
for conditional use or monitoring the process, I think, is what you're asking. Correct. And distinguishing. >> Correct. But I think now you're operating more on a complaint basis. >> We've always been complaint driven. Yes. I'd like to see something a little more
robust. Go out, come up the list. We review these 50 places this winter and and maybe it's just a stop in and say, "Hey, you know, we gave you conditional use permit. This thing should be just just to let them know you're there and we we we are watching." I mean, it's something that
people apply for and we're responsible for that. >> I would not say we need to stop and visit them. I mean, I I think >> if there's a if there's a violation, how else would we let them know? I'm saying if you're I mean most of them are screening you know trees or nothing no
storage outside or signage. I think you you you could stop you stop at the site and you examine it but you don't need to you don't need to go in and talk I mean that's >> we don't want to be like a mall cop. I mean we >> Mr. Sure. Can you just Kyle, can you come up with a plan that just something that you think would be appropriate you
could do >> right >> and come up with a plan >> cuz we I mean we did have we had something similar to that years ago where the assessor's office would provide those unpermitted structures and that we visited them people and that
didn't go very well. I think a better voting you know if if your contact if you want to have a contact I think just said it you know weed we reviewed your site and you were in from what what we saw we were in compliance I don't think we want to I mean that take if you want to have contact with someone that's
that's that's that's pretty long engaging process >> I think another thing to note though is when you're saying 30 to 40 conditional use permits how many of them are retaining walls that with the new with the new
>> potential potential um ordinance. They likely won't be probably have to categorize, you know, these are not necessary to review. >> Mr. Chair, I just just come up with some kind of a plan that you think is workable where we can
>> make some inroads at making sure people are complying with the conditional use permits that we've >> Sure. Sure. And I think there's some that were definitely contentious that probably get a little bit more attention than just popping in on some random person. That gets a little bit different. Okay. >> Right.
>> We did have one that had some pretty crazy conditions on it out my way. >> You did. >> I think that one's fairly good though. >> Now it is. Yeah, we we did some changes on that one. >> Yep. All right. >> It's all good. >> So Kyle's got that. Do we have any more?
Anything else for the Thanks, Kyle. >> All right, we are journed. Thanks. Go >> one. I could do that. Yep.