I'm not looking at you, >> Richard. >> All right. Are we ready? Stand for the >> 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. >> Well, there we go. >> You know, it's it's the cases like at human services where you're professional and licensed and you can't replace that. It is, you know, that's those are the real
>> CDs. Yes. I mean we income >> non-replaceable income. >> Um any changes to the agenda? >> Um madame chair under number two under the consent agenda I would request to
remove that resolution. >> Okay. >> And then also the board I had passed out from our assessor um with regards to his abatement just some uh clarifying information. So I just wanted to make note of that.
And that that's all the uh changes that I would ask for. >> Okay. Anybody else any additional changes? If not, I'll hear a motion to confirm the agenda with the changes noted. >> I I'll make that motion.
>> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I >> oppose. Motion carries. All right. Minutes. Do we have any minutes of the January 20th meeting?
>> We do have We do have the minutes. Do we have any >> Do we have any changes to the minutes? >> I bet we don't. >> I didn't have any. >> I didn't dive deep, but I didn't see anything in >> What you got, Phil? >> I got nothing. >> I don't have anything either.
>> What? >> I know. >> I'm going to buy a lottery ticket. doesn't happen very often. >> Well, with that, I'll make a motion to approve the minutes. >> All right. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I
>> opposed. Motion carries. >> All right. Next, we have the consent agenda. Anybody want to pull anything from the consent agenda? >> Um, Kevin's here, so I want to pull the number five. >> All right, we'll pull number five.
>> Well, let's do it. Let's move it like right in the car's report or carry under the administrator. >> Okay. Any other changes to the consent agenda? If not, I will entertain a motion.
>> Motion to approve items 1, three, four, five, six, eight, and nine on the consent agenda. >> All right. Motion by Barry. Anyone have a second? >> I'll second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I
>> opposed. All right. Motion carries. >> Madam Chair, just for clarification, do you want Kevin to go first? Yes. >> Yeah. Let's get have him go right away. So, >> I wasn't sure if he was in the bus today. So, >> yeah. So, he doesn't have to be here so long. >> All right. Anybody on the open form?
>> No. >> All right. Well, we're just chucking along this morning, so we'll move on to reports some correspondents. I'll go I'll go first. Um so, uh Barry, sorry this is going to be a little longer than normal.
>> Oh my god. >> Um so, >> anyone got popcorn? >> This is what I'd like to put up around the county of some of our um this is that eyeworks thing that we we purchased last summer through the county uh highway. And this is just
something I'd like to put up. Let hopefully people can use that. This goes right to uh road maintenance uh to improve that uh to improve roads so that Jonah knows and uh can get out and fix it. So, I just wanted to share that with
you. Um had transit on the 20th. Uh just interesting enough, we're going to talk about the bus here a little bit, but uh uh we cut hours at the end of the year because we couldn't meet budget. Uh but the riders seem to adjusted and uh
our ridership was up 5% in 2025. Um we'll talk about the bus a little bit later. Does anyone know how many buses we have? >> Transit buses. >> Uh Kevin probably do you know? >> No no no you are this what is this?
>> I I want to say five maybe six. >> We have nine buses. >> I'd say or nine >> and we're going to replace one but good guess. Um but uh we're going to replace one. and they go from 2012 to 2025. Um in rain, so we're >> Yep. Uh well, it's actually bus number
five. I don't know if that's the two. Is that the oldest one? >> Okay. So, uh I'll leave the rest for you, Kevin. I have the Pelican River Wershed. I uh told you everybody that the Bucks Mills project has been awarded uh to Ashwell Company uh for just over $3
million. Uh the wershed is just the fiduciary host. Uh the DNR is pretty much footing the bill. The bids came in from between three and 5.8 million. Um so that was I thought that was a good bid. Uh Watershed is also doing substantial work on Camel Creek north of
Floyd Lake. Uh stream bake restoration, a lot of work. Uh but that can really change the dynamics of what flows into uh Floyd Lake. They're doing a lot of work up there. Um so that will be coming. It might take a while though. Um
Steve and I drove up to District 4, that regional CND thing. We drove up to Klay County. Um we're still working on costs, uh possible hubs, uh things like that. Uh so, uh that's in the works still. Richard and I on the 22nd uh had that
Zoom meeting with MPCA about the open landfill security rules. Carrie was part of that. Steve was part of that. Uh just and Carrie will update us on that. uh had a trail alliance uh uh meeting. This is the one that's kind of led by project 412, but I just sat in as part of the
rack. Mitch is sitting in on those. Um just I I do want to say though that I I think there will be an ask coming of the county, a financial ask uh of we're developing signage uh uh maybe a website to to uh a landing page for all the
trails in Becker County. We're talking about hiking, ski, bike trails, snowmobile trails, ATV trails, horseback trails. It would be one one landing spot. >> Accesses, swim beaches. >> Well, we haven't got that far yet, but yes, hopefully. But the the the uniform
signage is the one thing that really sticks out to me that would be really really good to have some uniform signage, but we'll see how that goes. We're still working on it. Environmental um solid waste management plan. We've got to do a 10-year uh plan every 10
years and uh we're up in 2027. So, we're working on that. Richard and I sat in on that. We we reached out to Klay County and Ottertale County for that matter and said, "Hey, would you guys like to share some of the costs?" Because a lot of things are very cut and dry. They're the same for every county and they both declined. So, uh we'll just we'll just
do our own solid waste management plan. You have to do it. Um I've asked Steve um to come up with a priority list at the MURF. Uh the metering drum seems to be something that would really uh save manh hours uh and and help us be a
little more efficient. So, we're working on that. Snow pusher is uh uh they're getting one of those up there. We also talked about a scissors lift possibly down the road. That's not anything that something that's coming down the road maybe. And hopefully we could use that around around uh with you know over at
highway or wherever. um county fee schedule. So, we've got our fee schedule for stuff, but uh Steve has asked for sometimes you got to move in a moment and it's not on our fee schedule. Like, like this kind of stuff like your water bottles are wrapped in. Sometimes we get
bales of this. We don't really have a fee schedule for it. We don't collect it. >> Where do we get bales of it from? >> Um from a business in town. >> They're not the size of bales we bail, but they're they're shorter bales. So, he's like, "Well, what do I do with this stuff?" So, um, you know, he's he's
coming he's going to come forward with asking for some ability with like that like the ground the wood chips, the the pallets that we grind up. You know, we're working on possibly a turkey turkey bedding for that. So, um, he wants the ability to move forward with
that, either buying or selling some of these odd recyclable things. Um, so, but we'll we'll bring something forward with that hopefully next meeting. Also this spring, um March or April, uh we discussed having maybe a a free tire
drop off day or >> tractor tires. >> Um Richard, we we discussed it and we're we're we're considering at least truck tires for sure. I mean, they're they pay county taxes, too. So, >> um a limit, I'm assuming. >> Absolutely. A limit. We're working on
what that looks like. Um >> it might be weight, Barry. So, maybe only a half a tractor type. I don't know. Well, so most most farms nowadays aren't aren't carrying around a spare tractor tire. They're just too they're too big to handle anymore.
>> So either uh tires or appliances, but for this spring and as a as something a freebie to our Becker County residents, we're working on it, but that that could be coming. Um Richard and I at Highway, uh the bid came in for Westlake Drive.
I'm sure you all saw it. Uh so that was a good bid. Um, another question. So, so like County 40 we're redoing this year. So, we're going to put five to 6,000 ton of ash from Prairie Lakes into that
road. Um, so >> how much? 5 to 6,000. >> 5 to 6,000 ton of ash in that road. And I I think it's about a thousand. >> Yeah, I thought it was about a thousand ton a mile we could fit into there. How much ash does anybody know how much
ash Prairie Lakes produces annually? >> Yeah, I can call um down there and ask to find out. >> Okay. >> 3 25,000 tons. >> No, about 11,000 ton of ash. So So we could take half of this if we could put in a roaded. I mean, we could really
substantially uh reduce or get rid of that ash because that facility is filling up. We've only got two years. >> Is there a benefit for the ash in the road? Does it make it stronger? >> It does. There. Yes. And Bronn Intertech is working on that right now to >> And does it reduce any other inputs for
that asphalt? I mean, >> well, they're going to put base one into it. >> No, but you know what I'm saying? So, you're putting >> It's not in the asphalt. It's in the under >> the base. >> Correct. >> So, is there is there any reduced base put under there? I mean, are we reducing the gravel? >> I do not know that.
>> You know, is it is it replacing gravel >> townships can use? >> No, it's so so it's really a place to get rid of it. And so there is a little bit. >> Some Pulk County says there's a big benefit to it. Other people say there's not a benefit to it, but it is a place
to get rid of that ash, which is now we we're running out of room. We're piling it. So So for sure. So it it may it may be better. Poke County says it is, >> but it for sure it's a place. >> But does it replace gravel or you know your regular gravel?
>> Well, it does. It's 12 to 17% ash is what we're putting in there. So, I suppose to that effect, I don't know. >> So, we're not using the same amount of gravel and then adding >> No, we we are cuz there is a lot of strength in gravel. So, you know, there's a lot of rock in there. I I'm not sure about this, but I >> I was just curious if we can if it it
makes a lot of sense if you can reduce your gravel that you're putting on there and using the ash as a blend in the gravel. I mean, then that >> I don't know. You know, you're saving on the gravel >> putting in there and you're getting rid of your >> Do you know what the cost is to wash it?
Is is that a wash >> wash the ash to pre >> uh yeah we've got to traum it. Uh Prairie Lakes takes on that we I mean when when ash comes out of uh perm I mean it's it's got metal in it's got all kinds of stuff in it. So we got to trauml it down to a product we can use
in the roaded. But one one significant thing is that in in the ash facility it's a hazardous waste. When we put it in the road it isn't a hazardous waste anymore. So I mean there's some good going on there too. But reusing that is We're working on it and we can use about
half of that ash that we produce in a year in the road bends >> on one road. >> It's got to be new construction or rebuilt road not you can't use it on a >> you got yeah >> a mill and over and it's got to be somewhat close to
>> the where we store it because if it gets too far away the transportation gets >> correctensive too. >> But Prairie Lakes is assuming the cost of transporting. So, okay. Uh, so that's what's happening there this spring.
Smart tax was right on the money and tracking 3.8 million. So, that's good news for Highway. Um, Barry, on the 27th, I had my first magic meeting uh the Minnesota investing thing and um it was a Zoom meeting, introductory meeting um and I asked your question, do they re
reimburse costs? And they said yes, there won't be any cost to the county for that. So, you're welcome. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Uh I had Prairie Lakes uh meeting on the 28th. Uh Bond Guards, the cheese factory over there, one of our waste to energy
facilities that uses our energy um from Prairie Lakes. Uh they they were doing some work over on their facility and it was where our steam line was and uh they went away for the weekend and they didn't insulate it and
we had a steam line break. So, we're working on seeing who covers the costs of that. And um it's it's in process right now, but it's going to be a $50 to $100,000 fix probably from the
last numbers we heard at our meeting. Um and then I already told you about the ash there. Uh 28th we had a legislative meeting uh with Jim Joy and Senator Rob Coop. Um, interestingly enough, they said it is a bonding year, but >> the bonding is a a sure maybe. So, that
probably means not a lot of bonding this year. Uh, had a lot of talk about property tax and the Minnesota fraud. A lot of people hammered him on the Minnesota fraud that's going on. Um, and we talked about the Mstate building uses. I I think we're moving in the
we've got a we're moving forward with that just to see where we we're going to land there. And then I on the 29th, last thing, Barry, I attended drug court graduation with judge. Um I never been to one before. It was >> I was to It is interesting. >> Just the one thing on that meeting with
Jim Joy and Rob Rob Coupe on the MState. Um I I don't remember who suggested it, but I think it might have been Ron Zean suggested that maybe we get together as a county, a city, and a school district and figure out what how we can use that facility. I think that was one
suggestion. >> If it's if it's going to be a county building, >> well, let's >> it would be a county's decision. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I mean, I think that is kind of what it >> We don't know any of this yet. >> We don't know any of this. >> Car's on it. >> Yeah. >> Car's >> Yeah, she is. Well, I mean, I don't want
to co-owning with No, I don't I agree with you, but there was they there was some talk about usage and >> so it kind usages going to be all over the board. I mean, you've got there's a
half a dozen business, you know, >> related to that specifically. >> I just got a different feeling from when they said that, but yeah. Yes. And that's uh madam chair that's all I had for meetings.
>> I'll go next. So uh historical society there on February 17th which is fat Tuesday for Marty GR. The they are doing a the historical society is doing a uh a crab shrimp boil um on Tuesday from 11
to 1 and from 5 to 8 and they're taking pre-orders. Um, it could be a really really awesome thing. I mean, they're they're they'll do to go orders and they'll also have they'll also have have places for you to sit and eat. So, they'll do it upstairs of the museum where they have that
they're going to do it on that little patio they have and then then they're going to let people eat in that little area. Uh the 5-day 8 is it corresponds with the presentation or show that is being done at the community the community center the the DLCCCC
and so they're they're tying it in with um tickets to that if they want to have the shrimp boiled they can pay a little more and then they can come over and get it they can get it to go or they can eat it there either one >> uh February 17th which is Fat Tuesday. I I know a fat Tuesday cuz I like to eat.
So, >> oh, >> it's it's Tuesday and >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Today's t it's not this Tuesday. Okay. >> Okay. So, >> is that I mean uh I don't want to ask the question
for preparing food on site. >> Yeah. No, there's a they have Yep. There's a there's a a caterers permit. >> Oh, you got a cater. >> Yep. And everything's legalized. Yep. Yep. >> Legalized >> or legal. We Yeah. We had to make sure it was it was correctly done. Yeah. And
the person that is doing the um the cooking is a certified food manager, too. So, yeah. So, everything's good. Yeah. I made we had to make sure that that was done right. >> Um and then I had a Sunnyside meeting. Um Barry was not not able to attend. He was watching his daughter score a thousand
points. >> It wasn't that night. It was the next next game, but close. >> Could have been that one. So, anyway, we ended our fiscal year in Sep. We hadn't had a meeting for quite a while. So we ended our year in se September 30th with our fiscal year and anyway we were we
had a a bottom line of just over a million dollars. Big part of that was we had a rep employee retention credit grant that we got for it was about 54 450 >> 450. Yeah. >> So but the rest of that was you know generated revenue from from
>> there was some there was some grant money. >> There was some grant monies for equipment and and and fix Yeah. >> Yeah. It was a >> It was a good >> wonderful year. >> A wonderful year. Yeah. >> Couldn't ask for a better year. >> Yeah. Currently, right now, >> I do want to point out though, we are one of the very very few nursing homes
on that size that is profitable. I mean, that uh and I think it goes to leadership out there. Um and full, you know, you try to you have to keep near full census. Right now, the first two months we're right below that. It's not significant. So, it's
>> it's not as significant. It's down. But part of that is uh >> there's always turnover. >> Yep. The there's a lot of turnover right now. >> Not in not in staff. >> No, in res in residents. >> And then also too, they had a they had a they had a long-term retiree that cost
them they paid out the PTO. So that was a big big long rightway hit. And then also the new pricing for resident is what is it? Medicare pricing or what? >> The new rates are coming. >> The new rates are coming out. They came out in January. So they haven't they
didn't they haven't been affect they didn't affect October November and December. So that's a big reason why too that'll that it'll it'll it'll change around. There is a nursing home that is closing though in the that Minowasa does manage. It's down south somewhere. I
don't remember the name of it now but yeah. So and they tried and and here's another issue with that. They tried to get it to be an assisted living place, but through if you do that through the state to get that license, there's so many things you have to do to change over that it isn't even feasible to do
it. So, they're trying to work on a process to adjust that so that they can actually use these places for other things. But yeah, so similar needs. >> Similar needs. Yeah. Which is needed also. And then uh we also approved a
furnace replacement and when during this cold spell or or a little before it the one of the furnaces went out and they repaired it, but they just decided to permanently repair it was not going to be worth it because it was old. So we're getting a they're going to replace it and get a new one. Um other than that, I
think that's about it. Did you have anything else that you saw that >> um >> that you read? >> Oh, no. We're going to we owe money on the building. We we authorized to um >> we authorized to pay it off. >> Pay it pay it off to the county. So we'll have no no debt.
>> No debt. Yeah. >> I think that's 3. >> And in our in our cash reserves is over 2 million right now. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> That is good. >> So and our debt was what what's >> 38 380 >> 380 something. Yeah. >> So Sunnyside cash reserves were 2 million.
>> Yep. >> And then uh transit we covered that. Fairboard. Uh Eric and I had a fair board meeting. So they have and she's you're also on the senior council committee. So they're going to make sure that that's done correctly this year.
They met together and they figured out. So they're going to have an outstanding senior again award. They're going to have a a program and they're going to they're going to have the the introduction of political candidates that are running like the Senate and the House and the Commissioners and so
forth. And then there also they're also talked to Dancing Sky which is the area agency on aging about possibly getting transportation for the seniors to go to and from the senior day at the fair. So they're going to try to
work on that and see if they can come up with some kind of arrangement and get to get them here to get them because I guess that that's a pretty big deal for a lot of those seniors to go to that and to get them there would be really good. And then one thing that they went to uh the annual fairboard conference and one
of the things that came out of that is is Carver County does a has a junior fairboard and so they're going to they're going to explore into possibly having a junior fairboard and and what Carver County does is they don't require
it to be 4 members and whatever FFA members. They they open it up to everybody >> and it's working really well for them. So they're they want to explore that. That would be kind of a nice thing to have. I think it would be a benefit anyway. And then they also are looking
at accepting credit card payments or card payments, not necessarily credit card payments for the carnival wristbands and possibly getting into grand events cuz >> you might want to just skip that and go to um like a Venmo or >> Yeah. Yeah. I I I don't >> might be a lot easier to credit card.
>> It might. >> Yeah. They're looking into all the different >> possibions. And then uh Barry and I had a sheriff's meeting and the one big thing to talk about is the Larry Hill Act. So the Larry Hill Act is basically in a summary
it says it shall provide incarcerated individuals with with the same medications prescribed to those individuals prior to their incarceration. Okay. This causes a lot of issues. Yeah. Look at it. >> I have I have one also. This causes a whole bunch of issues with so what it
does is it creates more staff time to find out where what these people's medications were and they have to go back sometimes they got to go back 10 15 years. Well, they can't even find that doctor maybe or maybe he doesn't exist anymore and doctors are very hesitant to
change anything or do anything and and and so they don't they can't it's hard to them to adjust it. Like for example, if a inmate comes in, who knows if they've been taking their medication for high blood pressure or or something >> or if or if it's or if it's changed over
time and and so it puts a lot of stress on our nursing staff mainly and it increases their in ability in increases they have to spend more time doing this and and less time doing other things that they really need to do. So, what
this is going to probably end up doing is probably might cause us to have to get more nursing staff in the jail. Um, the it's a possibility we go from 56 hours a week to 80 hours a week. >> But, our meeting um I think what we
discussed is we looked at and we're having more >> prisoner hours, having more revenue too from boarding prisoners. >> Um, >> so that will help offset this. But uh what that what that what that law states
is we we don't really have the authority to say that this medication isn't needed for this prisoner if it's even if it's not necessary anymore for um you can find all kinds of examples but uh we can go from if they're on a weight loss I
mean we're going to have to pay for >> every every one that they're prescribed for and it could you could get extreme so we don't have the kind of the jurisdiction to decide our the nursing staff and the current and the doctors at C don't have the authorization to change
anything even if it's not you know if it's deemed not necessary we still have to provide it and I think that's the >> so how I mean where do they get the list of medications from >> that's that's the one that's a part of the issue is >> I mean it seems to me that that >> that's yeah that's
>> we shouldn't be going back 101 15 years >> for prescriptions that are years old, they have to be renewed, >> right? >> Shane, you want to >> come on upate a little bit or how this how >> that's one of the issues is it's causing
us to find that stuff instead of doing their own evaluation of what they need immediately, you know. >> Yeah. legislatively this happened uh and all jails are uh struggling from it right now. But what it took away was the ability for um um our correctional AC
our correctional healthcare to make decisions based off of what their care is needed for today. And it was just it was a cookie cutter. Whatever they're on, whether they haven't doctorred in two years or, you know, three years or five years, if they come in with those meds or if their med list is that, you
have to you cannot discontinue a medication. You cannot change their um their health care plan until you've consulted with their primary physician. Well, again, some of that stuff may be, you know, years old may not be applicable. So, I mean, you know, depending on what they're, you know, if they've got, you know, diabetes and it's
and it's it's lessened or or gotten greater, you can't change that until you've consulted with their primary physician. Well, Friday, Saturday nights, etc. You know, one of the difficulties is those physicians also have jobs. They're it's hard to get a hold of them. It may be a couple days until you can get a hold of them. And so
it's just the the legislature was trying to keep prevent jails from withholding medications from people, but a cookie cutter just continue with this regardless of what how it affects you know the inmate is is where the jails are struggling that it's not always in the best care of the inmate. I think if
it would have read um you must continue the medication they're on or have a re-evaluation to determine why the needs changed. You know, >> something to give you a a rational to to say, you know, their insulin needs to be
doubled because they haven't had a they haven't they have no they have no history presenting to us and we have to keep them healthy. I mean, >> yep. And there's there's litigation currently going on um from a against the state on this statute basically saying this this isn't in the best interest of
either the state nor the nor the inmate. Um >> yeah, you could be required by law to give them inadequate >> care. >> Yeah. >> And that's the argument is it's legislatively you can't say this is what's best for the person. That's that's up to a licensed physician to say
this is I I've evaluated this person today. This is what they need today. not what they needed two years ago that I have to continue with. And so to tell a doctor, I don't care what the medical benefit or non-benefit is, I'm going to make you do this by law and prescribe something that you don't agree with is
there's a conflict in the law and what their medical license tells them they should do. I think some of it too might have to do with I I would assume now I don't know this but I assume there are some jails that would not um some elective drugs they would discontinue
and we all might agree that that's if it's an elective or a or not necess you know that we can discontinue it but but if it's law we can't. So no matter what you know what they're on what we we have
to continue it even if it's not a you know necessary drug in their life. >> Madam Chair Shane this seems like an easy fix to me at the legislature. I I agree it was a cookie cutter thing and they need to who is disagreeing with this or who is pushing back on this.
Obviously all the jails around Minnesota agree with what you're talking about. Correct. >> Yeah. It's it's created a lot of angst and anxiety through all the jails. It's it's a it's a very hot button topic with all the counties that do currently. >> So, who's supporting it? Who's saying no, we got to do this? I mean,
>> I would imagine a human rights group because I imagine there was some I imagine there was something that happened that >> probably the issue also was brought up in public safety of at AMC. So, I'm guessing that it'll probably be a
platform item for this coming year, >> but it'll be something for those of us going to the legislative um >> to bring up >> conference in March to >> to speak to our >> Jim Joy and Rob Kubic know about it. >> Okay. >> You know, speaking of of that, Carrie,
maybe maybe when we go down there, you have a >> uh Yeah. Give us a kind of a talking point list for our county specifically. This will be a general one that we can hit on. ramble off on everything. >> Well, we need talking points. >> Yeah. >> Um, what else? There was one other thing
that we wanted to bring up. >> Thanks, Jane. >> What was it? Was it the impound? Yeah, it was the impound uh storage building update. Um I don't have my >> Well, just to just to go back to that um this this will maybe coming back for
increased medical costs and we've asked >> we've asked um >> um Sheriff Glander to try to show where that you know where that money can be in budget if we can because we were over bud. We >> were higher than expected in our budget for in income last year. So, um, but
we're talking a probably$1 $100,000 increase in in nursing and they're and you know it's significant. So, >> and we were above our our inmate revenues for housing inmates and we now are we have increased the federal inmate
and that didn't go for the whole year. So, that'll help. And we are also looking at possibly increasing our county other county re or in pricing >> bringing when >> from other counties come in increasing that rate per day too. We're looking at that because other counties are charging
more than us and so so yes there there there's a good chance that there will be enough revenue to cover this because we but it still is is a is a is an unfunded mandate basically from the state of Minnesota.
That's what I was really not happy with. >> Is it what you want it for? >> Okay. >> Madame Chair, uh, Commissioner Meyer, going back to the fair board, you said uh you said something about giving seniors rides to the fair. Is that something that our would be
>> We that that we could try that. Maybe that was a thought of mine. >> It wasn't more rides to the fair. It was more rides around the fair like like to to >> within the ground >> like a golf cart or something where I guess >> just for that senior day during that
senior program that there would maybe be a couple stops if we wanted to pick up at the parking lot go to the barns over to the 4 so that it's easier for them to >> Yeah, that was and I think part of it too was getting to the Yeah, that was probably that's true.
>> So you you're not going to have golf carts. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, so we could have someone pick them up. That would be easy to figure that out. >> Mhm. >> The bus usually comes right up to the
beer garden or >> Yeah. But if there if it's busy, then it's hard to get. >> Well, then you get people out of the way. >> Just drive them. >> Yeah, that that alleyway should always be open. >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. Thanks. Yeah. And then I also had a DAC meeting and we met again with Brad uh from Hammers Construction and he presented us a preliminary design for a remodel and next our next meeting he's going to bring back pricing uh and a
timeline for the design that we we we preliminarily selected. So it's getting closer to getting that and and and it's pretty much an entire remodel of the inside. So, it's we're excited. Hopefully, it doesn't cost an arm and a
leg, but but but we're committed to that's a huge thing that we need to do to to make our DAC more better better use of our space will allow us to do more services for our clients and then in turn we should be able to attract maybe more more clients to come to our
DAC. Um, we also had a personnel committee meeting where we interviewed DAC employees, guardians, and and adult services from the county. And we also inter interview interviewed the Detroit Lakes Public Schools uh transitions
program people. And we just wanted to find out what we needed going into a remodel, what what services we need to do, what things we need to do. And we also are currently in the process of we were in the process of figuring out how we want to handle our
executive director vacancy. And so some of the big things that came out of that is we we need to get our clients out of the facility more. Um but when I'm saying all these things though, we are doing these things. Um when we three
years ago we weren't doing hardly any of these things now. So, we're doing more of these and our and I want to say that we have great employees right now at the DAC. Our managers are doing a great job. They have made the DAC a better place to be. Now, we're trying to figure out how can we make it even more better
>> and better or more better. Better better >> better >> more better >> more betterer. Yeah. So, so we need to get the clients out more. We need to challenge the clients more. Um, we need a community pres presence to educate the community on what the DAC does and how
they do it and how it works. Um, we we had an overwhelming consensus from uh most of the people that we talked to that we needed an executive director because that executive director could be that community presence. Um, we need to offer
uh employment options like like right now we do our employment services which is where our clients go out and work somewhere or work at Pizza Ranch or whatever. We only do it from like 8 to 4. Well, there's jobs that are not just 8 to 4. So, they wanted the especially
the county wanted us to really look at exploring doing other services at other times to make our employment a little easier and better. Um uh the overall consensus though is that DAC is heading in the right direction, but we need to keep keep going doing more and making
things better. Um like I said before, the DAC has great employees, great three we have three great managers that are doing a great job and they're really running our DAC well and and we're working on they're impro working on improving the perception, the services,
everything we can do with our D Becker County DAC. That's it. I'm done. I think I was less than Phil was. >> No, I don't think so. >> Oh, you went on. >> Um, Madam Chair, we had sheriffs with with Dave. Um, had an MRC Zoom meeting
yesterday. Very short meeting. Um, but there's a potential bill to to come before that's being introduced to charge a 10- cent per bottle fee on for plastic bottles. And um we had a legislator speaking on that and just just it's not
going to help um reduce it reduce it just a fee to help and basically was to help a big portion of this was to help rural water in small towns that can't afford their water systems and treatment centers. So um >> so the 10 cents would go towards
>> would go to a fund that helps with um updating the se water and sewer I would imagine small >> um talked about e-waste reform um talked about um the the acronym of MAA work
there was >> you say the act >> the act the act was discussed there's a work group out there um they were reporting about the costs and the county's needs for the resourc resources to help with those costs. They also said that, you know, Hannipin and Ransy got a
got a roll out and got got paid. So, they wanted to work wanted to try to work that smaller counties should have that same roll out financed by them. Um, but they rec this work group also recognized that it had to be modernized before this goes forward. So,
>> and that's that's and the system is not going to be modernized for at least 3 to four years. >> Yeah. So, >> so hope hopefully that can be um just pushed down and I I and again I think this was bipartisan a need bipartisan need that saw this
>> but um the magnitude >> that if you can't just throw it on and >> and hopefully and say hopefully everyone gets it so gets hopefully it just works kind of like our menlars but right Mary um the the only other meeting I had was
the Lakeland mental health um there's a our annual meeting is in February if you wish to attend. Um it would it's going to be very short. We were right at neutral. We we didn't meet budget but we we were in posit positive. Um nothing significant either way there.
Um and we'll have to reo reappoint Peter Jacobson today unless there was other nominations or I think there was my um daughter did score her thousandth point last week. It's kind of exciting for us. She did a
>> nice job. We were worried she needed 10 up at the Manomomen Wobbin game. We were worried that she was going to be nervous and and uh she scored 10 points within 5 minutes of the game and >> nice >> and uh ended up with 27 and she >> Yeah, she was >> Yeah, was awesome. We end up losing last
night in a real good game to Frzy. Frezy um has has a nice team and and hopefully they do well and move on and go far. So, we have you we have really good girls basketball programs around this area. Um it's it's they're fun to watch. There's
they're when you have a when good basketball, it's good basketball. So, >> right. >> Well, I had environmental and highway with Phil. He's covered that. I had a safety meeting. Uh no serious accidents
since our last meeting. We are We do have a couple slips and falls. So, people with slippery shoes should get some rubber boots. Leave your shoes at under your desk. >> Very good advice. >> Yeah. Um and then we're finalizing where
all these a AEDs are going to go in case somebody need to be shocked. And so we're going to get them up and signage so everybody know. >> Can we try to haul it? >> No. I tell people if if I'm down just leave me go. >> Okay. But next.
>> Yeah. So uh but that's all I got. >> All right. I can go next or last. Um I had the EDA housing committee. Um our RFP for the Maple Avenue project will be published on Saturday. Um we will have the bid opening on March 6th. So
hopefully we can get some competitive bids for that and then we will be able to approve it at our March EDA meeting and then we can bring it bring it forward here. Also had Mahubi Atwa. Um they're currently looking for bids and there's an RFP out for their tiny homes
project by New York Mills. So this is the project that was >> nine homes, isn't it? >> Yep. Was originally planned for Becker County, but um that application was pulled and now they're they um have purchased property by New York Mills. So they're looking for contracts to build
those homes. Um that RFP is out until February 6th. So, anyone interested? And they're also looking for contractors to do some work at the the Mahubi building in DL um to remodel a warm garage space into meeting rooms.
Um, another thing about Mahubi is they manage our childcare assistance program for Becker County. So, just some statistics on that. In 2025, um the childcare assistance program assisted 61 families with 108 children
um for a total of $47,000 47200 47,296 um that assisted those families. That was the lowest since 2022. Um, in just to compare it, in 2024,
um, there were 86 families that were on the childcare assistance program with 142 children for $456,854. Um, their Head Start enrollment is right where it's supposed to be. they, you know, according to to continue to be um
eligible for their federal funding, they have to have, I believe it's a 90% enrollment and their early Head Start enrollment is at 95% in December and Head Start was at 99%. And that is for the fiveount region, not just Becker County.
Um also just to note they have opened their are now accepting applications for their um tax aid for their seniors. So it's very important that if you want to get your taxes done through there that
you do it because 3 days after they um started scheduling they had 450 appointments scheduled. So those are filling up fast. Then just some quarterly updates from the dental um apple tree dental project
that is going on in Detroit Lakes. Um sometimes Jane comes in I believe the last time she came in and gave an update but um we have the out or they have the outreach site in Detroit Lakes. Um in 2025 they had a total of 1,653
appointments. Um and so far in 2026 they have um 79 appointments. So, >> do >> you have a rate of cancellations? >> No, I do not have a a rate of can cancellations. She doesn't mention that in her update.
>> I would I mean I would think that that would be a higher rate of success. I mean >> when because >> they they only provide care two days per week. Um and then they also have mobile programs through Head Start. So, but I don't know um I don't know how
much of >> if you think of it I mean it's no if you think of it to bring that number if it's if it's better than or worse than >> normal. >> Yeah. >> Um but they're they're hosting a dental resident student from March 16th to April 16th. So that will um help in
expanding services because staffing does continue to be the the limit um the limiter in expanding those services. Um they just a funding update. FA federal and state grants are being utilized for both the Detroit Lakes outreach site and
then they're expanding the project in Holly. Um but they continue to also accept and utilize private um community donations. Um that that is all I have. But I did just want to add one thing on the fair
board. Um that we had a a lot of talk at the fair board after they came here and spoke with us about because one of the questions that was asked of them was how many people attended and we had a lot of discussion on how we could how we could
figure out what that number is. Um but because we don't the the fair board doesn't um charge to get in, there's really not a good way of doing it. So they talked about like rearranging the fencing so that you funnel them through
one way and get a counter. And so I mean there's there's going to continue to think about ways that we can figure out how to count that attendance. Um but the conclusion was really it's it without charging that >> what what's the benefit of counting? I mean, what's the you
>> that's part of why they don't want to >> you don't want to put any money in it. >> Oh, that was my comment >> or make it difficult for people to get in if we're going to funnel them all to one >> door or one gateway. And
>> Madam Chair, I would I think knowing what you have for numbers is good. Unique visitors is, you know, it's a three-day event. If you have the same person coming for three days, how do you count that person? So there are some some problems there but I I mean that you got to start with some numbers before you
>> yeah I mean they have numbers to grandstand because that then you have to purchase tickets but >> otherwise that was all I have. >> Madam chair uh your Maple Can you give me those Maple Hills numbers you or Maple Apartments? >> The Maple Avenue the >> what was that? The the March 6 you were
approved. When is the opening? >> March 6th. >> March 6th is the bid opening. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yep. and the it'll go out I believe this Saturday. >> Yep. And that's all I have. Anybody else have anything >> before we move on to appointments?
>> Uh Madam Chair, just uh something to to keep uh on your radar. The um Eagle Lake swim access. >> Oh, yep. >> Um I think um I think that's closed. I think the lake association is closed. It's something that we are looking at for how we how we help with that. So
just keep that in mind coming forward. >> Say >> do we um >> and I >> do we know where that is with >> Madam Chair. I can give an update on that. So um the investment group uh the nonprofit corporation purchased it from the city that closed a
week or two weeks ago. Um, I put the person in the nonprofit corporation in touch with Dave Shotskco up in uh Baiji. He's the head of uh trails and accesses like this. Don't know exactly where that's going to go. Uh Mitch is aware of
what's going on. >> It'd be nice if we could have a a state county partnership on on getting that. >> What does that What do you mean state? >> They pay for it. We manage. Well, that's that's I've already >> if I may, Madam Chair, I had a conversation yesterday with regards to
this topic from the DNR, >> uh, Ben Bergie. So, he was talking about just like you said, it's moving forward. One of their questions is there's that park there >> and whether you know the DNR isn't in the business of managing parks. So I,
you know, the conversation then went from, you know, a partnership similar to with Becker County as far as looking at managing specifically the park piece of that um if we would like and you know probably other additional things, but a
conversation started yesterday. So >> Madam Chair, and and we can I want to help facilitate all of that. Some of that equipment that was brought in was used when it was brought in. And so we we we can work through that. >> Right. So yeah, that conversation. Yeah. So the questions where we're getting asked.
>> Okay. Perfect. >> All right. Anything else? >> All right. We'll move on to appointments. You had a >> Madam Chair. Um you know, I haven't talked to Peter, but I um I in the past I've talked to him and he he's um
retired from the DLC now and and he brings a a real good benefit to Lakeland Mail Hill. Hopefully he's hopefully he's willing to serve again. If he's not, we'll have to vis revisit this. But I'd like to um reappoint Peter Jacobson. >> I'll second.
>> All right. We have a motion by Barry to reappoint Peter Jacobson and a second by Dave. Any further discussion, >> Madam Chair? Is he willing to serve again or we don't know or >> Well, I haven't talked to him lately. um I talked I I believe so because in the
past he said he he's anxious now that he's retired he have more time to give this but if he hasn't we'll have to revisit this if he's not willing I I'm pretty >> so we're going to appoint him and if he's unwilling we'll >> he'll he'll not accept it but he I'm I'm sure he will accept it we
>> okay any >> I haven't talked to him specifically recently though >> any further discussion if not I'll call a vote all those in favor say I >> I >> I >> opposed. All right, motion carried. On to county administrator report and we
will first um do transit. >> Morning. >> This for the purchase of one new bus for transit. The total dollar amount is 165322. Our local share will be $16,53220. >> Was there a reason it was pulled? I
mean, I >> I I just I I pulled it because I just wanted to everybody to know that we what we're going to pay and how how we're going to we're how we're going to what how we're going to what funding
are we going to use to pay the 16,000. So, that that's kind of what I just want to have just inform you guys on that. >> Yeah. So, you know, the state wants the county to pay for the local share of the bus, but we've been able to
pay for the local share of the bus out of transit reserves. And then, and there again, we should be able to pay for this bus out of transit reserve. So, really haven't had a vehicle. This will be the fourth vehicle that the county hasn't had to put any money into. >> So, you're just saying in the future we
may have to budget for purchase the 10% share of the bus. cuz we're the reserve is >> coming down so at some point and then you know honestly that you know we talked about this a little bit of finance yesterday the fact that we're getting these buses for 10%
um you know years ago was always 20%. And you know the increased our local share requirement off our operating grant this year and I see that transitioning over to what we pay for a bus. It'll go back to the 20%. Hopefully not. Um, you know, but the talk is
already out there what in 27 and 28 what what money is going to be given to transit that's going to be less um not only on the state side but on the federal side. >> What's the statute requirement for us to provide transit? >> Um, you know, everything's referenced to
the Homestead Act, you know, >> and it's based on the number of people in the county >> over 30,000, right? 35. >> But, you know, I've been talking to the state previously because Phil, you know, you kind of brought this thing up and I asked for information out of what
specifically says we have to have or provide transit. Um, really didn't get any any answer like they didn't reference the Homestead Act again like they always have. >> So, transit for us could mean nine buses
or two buses. >> Right. Right. That's, you know, and that's really up, you know, the what? >> Pour a van. >> Yeah. This the amount of service we provide. Um, you know, that would really be up to the commissioners. Do we want to >> not go to Ottabon anymore? Not go to
Frasing, not go to Lake Park, restrict um our mileage to maybe five miles out of town because that would that would, you know, most of our our rides are in town. >> Yeah. Madam Chair, Kevin, you said that 80% of our rides are within a few miles of Detroit, five miles of Detroit.
>> Yeah. And, you know, we we're supposed to be Becker County Trans and the state looks us as a countywide service, but you know, we have White Earth to the north that provides that service up there. We don't go north, you
know, we don't go to Callaway or anything. So when it comes right down to it um you know we can reduce the number of routes we run we could reduce the number of hours we provide we could cancel uh service on Saturday altogether but
when we do that then we have to go back to the state and let them know that and then then they can do an amendment to the contract and say okay well we were going to give you x amount of operating dollar since you reduced your hours of service number
whatever routes you have, cancel the route on like Saturday, we're going to reduce what money we're going to give you for the operating. So, it really kind of depends on what >> where the where the needle goes. >> Yeah. How far we want to go out and and so on. So, because the longer the ride is,
>> you know, obviously the less, you know, revenue we get and towards expenses. >> Madam Chair, just I mean, for for equality, I mean, we had more rides in Becker County than they did in Ottertale and Wadina. They both received more funding than we did, right? >> Yeah. And
>> this funding formula, however they figure that out, is you try to do better. You have a reserve and they take your money away. >> Reserve money to buy your next bus and it it they don't get it. We got $16,000. It's a pass through from federal. The state is holding it. They're not giving
it to us. Why? >> Nobody can figure it out. >> 2024. >> So, >> we've been waiting for it since 2024. and and it it just it it punishes people for being fiscally responsible.
>> Um and that's >> so right now we're trying to drain our reserves so that >> they give us more money. >> Well, they give us the money they said they would give us. >> Yeah. >> Not even more. >> Well, and I think another thing just, you know, the one thing that has been
discussed at length with the act, the Minnesota African-American Family Preservation Child welfare say it every time. the the the thing with that one of the pushes for that is is additional transportation. You know, we're transportation is going to need to be provided to appointments to visitation.
And so whether that is one of the things that they consider for funding, you know, rural Minnesota, of course, rural Minnesota doesn't have the luxury of what the metro area does with their their bus system, and it's a little easier to find the rides to to visits
and appointments. But that's one thing that I think we need to keep in mind if we're going to as we're moving forward with that in 2027. >> And on a positive note, I had a meeting with the state on Friday and they're finally addressing the fact that
um agencies that you know you know have more hours, have more routes, um actually have more riders. Um they're finally coming up or say they're going to come up with some type of system to make it fair. Um now there
again that's that's all fine and dandy, but when the rubber hits the road um and we will get a chance to kind of dispute how they do this and put our impact in or feedback in on what we think. Um because obviously the first couple years of this if they do actually
pay for performance or fund per performance, however you want to say it, it probably will be not, you know, still 100% fair, but it's better than what they have right now because, you know, I was telling the finance committee, we do more rides in Wadina and Ottertale Express, but we don't get the same
amount of funding. We get less funding. So, and that kind of gets granted again over years and years and years. 5% increase of a million is less than are more than a 5% of 500,000. So these agencies then that have been getting more money steadily get more money and
get more money and get more. So >> hopefully they got that solved. >> Madam Chair, with that I will move to approve item 1B for the transit bus purchase. >> I will second that. >> All right, we have motion by Phil, second by Dave. Any further discussion?
If not, all those in favor favor signify by saying I. Hi. I I would like to me mention one thing before you. So, originally this bus was cost 180,000 and Kevin did a good job of trimming it as much as he could. So, that's so that 180,000 would be identical to the bus we
just purchased >> for 156. >> For 156,000 that the options were all the same and everything. So, that's how much these have increased in two years. >> Yeah. you know, the bus that was the 157,000, you know, that was ordered in in in 2022 and it was amended a couple
times just because it went from 97,000 to 125,000 to 157,000. So, um hopefully we don't continue to see 15% increases on these larger dollar amounts of buses because it's it's getting ugly. So,
>> all right. >> Thanks, Governor. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks. All right, >> Madam Chair, do you want to go on to soil and water since he's here or do you want me just I don't >> I'll let you decide.
>> Um well, maybe we'll move to 24th 5th since they've been waiting also. >> Oh, true, true. >> Yeah. And then we'll and then we can go back to my report after that. You want just out of order? >> Okay. >> All right. Uh, Madame Chair, as you
recall, um, the and members of the board, um, this is the, as we know it, the landfill road. So, I'd met with the township. We did have a, um, couple of meetings with the two commissioners and myself with the MPCA just really asked
questions. Um, this board is interested in, um, you know, what would it look like? What kind of approval would we need for securing our landfill? um if uh at the time that this uh road were to become public and the gate would be
removed. Um so those meetings went fairly uh quickly. There really wasn't uh requirements, but the decision or the suggestion was is that we move forward and start getting and putting some pricing together for fencing. uh the
MPCA, which I had shared with this board, um asked for a plan to be put together and submitted to them for consideration of how we would propose securing our our landfill in the future if the gate were to be removed on the 245th. So, that was submitted. We did
get a response back uh again, which I shared with the board of approval of that. Um, and you know, there's some other additional details that I know questions have come back through Steve that or the fine details, I'll call them, um, are being, you know, worked
through as far as, uh, gating and how this would impact operations out at the landfill if all of these pieces were, uh, put into place. So, um, cost, you know, originally there was an estimate on fencing back, I don't know, I say
last summer, probably 114,000 for that. Um, and then again, you're talking electronic potential gates and and some additional uh things wiring into those gates to make them operational. Um, so you're probably looking, again,
rough estimate, uh, probably roughly right around 200,000, um, that you'd be looking at spending. Um I was asked the question again when we were on the call with the MPCA and if I'm missing anything commissioners please uh feel to jump in
as well is you know with the securing there wasn't again requirements um specific to what type of fence and those kinds of because some those were some of our questions. I did send another message back through just asking is it acceptable you know to do barb wire
fencing for uh the landfill on both sides. I haven't received a response yet as of today. So that is where we are. That is my update. Um so >> I just want to make a couple points. So when we when we when we met with the pollution control,
they didn't say we had to have chain link with barb wire. They said it all depends on the landfill. They said some landfills use rocks, some use poles. Um, so
to say that we have to spend that that this hall has to be chain link and it's too bad that we don't know this. We we've been at this since June. We've f we failed miserably at finding out how to secure this landfill. Um, uh, so we
don't know that we have and we don't have to have electronic gates that just put a rolling gate. I think we I think we have to have electron electronic monitoring of the gates >> and and you could have a camera there. >> Yeah. Cameras. Uh >> so a rolling gate is different than a
hinge gate. It's it goes right through the snow. You know, for years I open my gate in the winter cuz I didn't want to run the heater. Now I'm lazy and I run the heater, so I just push the button. But they're easy to roll open. You roll them open in the morning, >> close them at night. The concern that I
read in the letter is if someone comes down the township road and can access your property from the backside without coming through the main area without you knowing. That's where that's what I read in that report that that's the concern. So I mean we have to be able to monitor that with a camera.
>> Yes. And have some signage some strong >> so we we put some strong wording on some signage and the biggest concern is somebody might dump something there illegally. Well, nobody's going to steal anything out of the demo landfill or the, you know, the washing machines and
dryers. And if somebody does, I guess I don't have a problem with that, but >> they can steal all they want. >> Yeah. >> No, they can't. That's because there are some rules. >> So, I mean, it's it's really that that is not a big concern uh for me. I'm failing to see. I think we could satisfy
the the request to have moni to have cameras at the entrance but on the on the you know like by the county road where the township road comes in and then back by the areas where the gates open where we cross that road then >> so Barry are you saying we not do
>> well I would say we we meet what's required but if it's not if it's not a 8ft chain link we don't put 8t chain I mean I think we we minimize that as as allowable >> and I think if we have to find somebody to deal with the pollution control
agency and get that information because we we haven't been doing it. We should have done this. We should have known the minimum a long time ago. >> It's difficult when you deal with these agencies because nobody wants to make the call because someone the next step up will make it different and the next step up will make it different. I mean >> numerous people and you're also
>> you're going to get 10 different answers. >> Well, you're also dealing with a closed landfill and an operational landfill. So you're dealing with two different sets of people >> and Yeah. to >> whatever it is, we've got we've got to change the way we're doing it because we aren't getting it. >> But we've got preliminary approval. I
mean, correct. >> Preliminary approval to to >> how to move forward. >> The preliminary approval though >> is going to cost us $200,000. >> Not necessarily. >> Well, how we have how >> Oh, that the current plan
>> the current plan that has been >> maybe. And but well, so but they're they don't care if we have electronic gates. We don't run we don't we're not going to run wiring all the way over to those gates and put operators on those gates. They don't need that. Um all you got to
do is get out and roll it open. And so that would be very expensive to put operators on them. >> What how like what would we have to do to get cameras out there? Do we have to have that >> have Wi-Fi? >> Do we have Wi-Fi cameras? >> You can use some of these. I think we could get by with some of these game
cameras that there came. They're they're not game cameras. They're the next step up, but they're not nearly as expensive as running Wi-Fi. >> Madam Chair, >> that would >> I think that would suffice the requirements. Like you said, it's not something they're coming into,
>> you know. >> Madam Chair, I I'm still trying to separate are we dealing with the township on the road issue or are we dealing with access for Ingam who wants the access? Because to me, they're exclusive of each other.
I >> I don't think so. And so John Okasen called me. I've checked into the township road. I've talked to the township supervisors. John John called me and confirmed that is a township road. Period. And so they are in charge
of this road and they have told us they're taking the gate down. >> Well, the Ingams really don't matter and we really need to get going and secure our landfill. That's what we need to do, >> Mr. Chair. Then, Commissioner Barber, if if ingams don't matter, then we're
dealing with the township on the road. >> Yep. There you go. >> It's Township Road. >> I I think it's I think we have one issue. I think it's we have to provide access >> to Ingams. And I think I think if we could find other access, we could work with the township and close that road if
if if that's what worked, if it worked. But right now, it's not we can't find any other solution. So the solution is >> we have to secure a landfill to allow this road. >> Yeah. >> So So when we say that that we have wor we've tried that
solution where if the township is willing to vacate the road and we find another solution whether it's through the landfill for Ingams. You're saying we've explored that and it's not possible. I don't think I think the best option in my opinion is to
sec the direction we're going secure secure our landfill or open and closed and and I don't I don't disagree >> I don't think there's >> we >> what other way what other way are we talking about? >> So Erica we've I've I've looked into this and I mean I live right there.
>> Mhm. >> You you want to talk about making So you're talking about making another road to get these people into there. You want to see expense, it would be wild. This is the cheapest way. And we me and Charlie looked at this last June. We
looked every way we could to get them in there to avoid this. >> I would. >> So when you say you're arguing, I'm saying how what what are you arguing about? Did you look into it? Do you have an answer? >> What I'm saying, Richard, is I'm not I'm not saying we should build a road, and I don't know that there is a solution.
That's what I'm asking. Have we looked into that? that the way that we're currently doing it >> I think >> could is that not a viable option anymore that they're able to go through like as though they've been doing for the last 30 years.
>> No, that's not anymore. This is th that option is holding up this transfer of land and I don't no it has they can't now now that we recogn is a township road and they do the proper paperwork it is not going to hold up their >> it won't once once we
>> once the road it's not going to hold up >> so what we're dealing with then is >> the access the road what their future needs are aren't being met by this the g the the locked gate I township supports them Not
>> all I want all I want to say is it's been this way for 30 years. So I I I see that you recognize that it is a township road. However, there are statutes that if no maintenance has been done by the
township for so many years, it it is no longer a township road and can be vacated. It is and I agree it has not been vacated but the only thing I have seen thus far is that we have a 1918 cartway. Cartway
is different than a township road. So I >> madam madam chair let me let me let's not get into this debate because whether we like whether we say let's say we go down the road say it's not a township road we still have to provide that property owner the access to do that.
>> Yep. So there is no I mean every other solution looking at besides that road is cost prohibit prohibitive. I mean I would love for us to buy that property and then then we then we can ask the township to vacate it. Um I think the township's made it clear that they want
to keep that a township road. And to me it doesn't matter if it's a township road or an it's it's a usable road for them either way. They that is their access and they will win that in a court of law in my opinion whether it's with the township or if it's just give me access to my road we've used this for
this long it's it and I I'm pretty sure they'll win that whether it's a township road >> they meaning the township or they meaning >> the land owners >> the land owners >> they that is the road they >> they have prescripted easement agreed and and I don't think anybody I and I'm not saying we wouldn't
>> to me the township whether it's it's irrelevant whether it's a township road or if it's just road for them to gain access their property. I mean, it it's really irrelevant. It's going to be the access to their property. >> So, I'm just going to throw this out
there. So, what So, by you saying that, >> so let's say you guys vacated the road and we gave them a permanent easement. >> We have to do the same thing. >> But we we wouldn't have to fence our ground. >> Yeah, we would. >> Would we do you think we would? >> How would they not >> if the gate was up for 30 years? Yes, I
think we've proved >> that we're not very good stewards of this. So, no, I don't disagree with 100% agree. >> I think the township has seen this that we have not been very good to deal with. And I I I'll tell you
>> we would have to Yeah. Yeah. That's what they first of all needs to be clarified is >> that road is a minimum maintenance road. It has not not been maintained for 30 years. I can show you minimum maintenance roads that have not been
maintained and they do not look like that road now. >> Well, they have not been maintained like we do our township roads, but it has been maintained that road the way it looks today by the township. >> Madam Chair and Kevin, I think if we did
this, we would be in partnership with the township on this on the on >> Exactly. That's on the solution. Yeah. I mean, if it's an even in the direction that you're suggesting might work, >> this is a partnership with the township. If the partnership if the township says
no, that's we don't like that solution, we want to maintain it, then then that's then that's that be together on >> Right. Right. >> And and I and I'm with you that I want to want to work together with the township. I'm just struggling with
paying a hundred plus thousand dollars to fence. >> I feel for you. >> That that's where I'm struggling. This decision was made over 30 years ago. Our predecessors did this to us. >> Mhm. >> Now we need to fix it. >> Well, let's not make the same mistake again then. >> Well, then you're trying to do this,
Bill. You're trying to make the same It was done wrong. >> The right thing to do would be turn it back into a town. Just take the gate down. It is a township road. That's the right thing. You want to do something wrong and cluster this up and mess it up. >> I don't think they're trying to do
anything wrong. They're trying to look for the cheapest fin fish. >> Madam chair, >> it's it's not wrong. It's not bad either. I mean, but we have to find a solution giving them. >> It's a matter of being fiscally responsible and also not impeding operations at the landfill. It's about
safety of those traveling the road, making sure that that that is all taken into consideration that we we have gates that are open and big trucks going back and forth and now we have it where people can go back and forth. And we deal with that on all roads. Farmers are
farmers are on the roads with combines and trucks and I'm on the roads with trucks. >> We don't got an answer to the MPCA, Richard. >> I mean, >> that's why we get the plan Phil that we should have got last spring and we should have secured our landfill. The right way was to secure our landfill in
the beginning. We probably could have got the fence paid for, >> but we didn't. We did it all wrong. Well, the pollution control had funding for cleaning up these landfills at that time. >> So, ma madam chair, um >> we we we're what I'm hearing is we may
not necessarily have to compense it with the the fencing we proposed for them. Is there any is there is there any way we can get a definitive answer from them on that? >> Well, you know, we should have done we will. Yeah. >> But it's going to take a while. And
here's here's what here's what I've been told by the township. They're taking the gate down. And then we can prove that they're wrong. We can then take them to court, but when they take that gate down, we're not going to have any security in our landfill. And so, and
they've they've told me they're taking the gate down. So, I think and and we've drugged this out since June and made and held up this land transfer. This should have all been done. It's time to secure our landfill and we should beg these
guys not to take it down on March 1st, but we need to come up with a plan to secure the landfill as cheap as we can today. And maybe they won't pull it down, but they're going to take the gate down and then we're going to have to go to court if that's what you want to do.
I don't want to do that. I know it's a township road. Our attorney told us they have a very strong case. >> So, and we all know that they do. Brian sat right here and told all five of us that they have a very strong case cuz I asked him I asked him. He was sitting
right here. >> I do not recall. >> Well, I do. I know what he said. >> Madam Chair and Richard, I we don't we're not going down that road. >> No, I don't want to go down that road either. So, >> we're not going to fight with the township. We want to work. we're going to come to a a solution whether we have to
>> whether we have to gate it or and um but I think I think the concern is how do we protect our landfill in 20 years when this if this turns into a development you know that's because there's going to be a lot more traffic on that road and how do we uh how do we manage
accessibility at that time because that's right now there's not enough traffic there to worry about I I mean but in 20 years we might have to have rolling gates that are opened and closed from the office. I mean, >> you know, and I don't I don't I disagree because I could see this barrier. So,
say you have traffic, put a stop sign there at the gate. When you get up to the gate, whoever's coming through the landfill, stop and look both ways. They're not you're never going to have that. >> I'm not worried about I'm not worried about traffic accidents. I'm worried about
accessibility for the P MPCA's requirements. That's what that's the access that we have to be worried. I'm not talking about accidents on that's >> and that wasn't that wasn't a problem for the pollution control agency at at the meeting. >> I think that is the problem with pollution control is access access to
our open and closed landfills without coming through the main gate. >> Yes, that is the concern of MPCA. That's what our concern is here. Not >> traffic on the road. That's >> that's not that's not relevant to me. >> Yeah. They they told us we could manage
that and they were very I think we should have >> but I'm just saying if if in 20 years there's a 200 house development back there, it's going to be a different story than what it what we're looking at now. You know, >> how can there be a 200 >> It's 200 acres. >> I'm just asking how can it be a 200
home development on a 33 acre or 33? >> It's not. It's in excess of 200 acres. >> Yeah. >> No, no. On a 33 foot road. >> What's a township road? >> I understand roads are like that. >> Yeah, I understand that. that >> it's a township road. It's not an easement. >> Yeah. So, you can have more houses back
there and there's a lot of cases in our county where there are a lot of homes on on 33T roads and it's not a problem. That road is plenty wide >> to serve a development. >> So, the 66 ft easement does not apply to a township road.
>> Township roads are not relevant to a third. They don't have to be. >> Yeah. No, I just Yeah, that makes sense. that that's what I I was struggling with that and now it makes sense, >> you know, and so we need to just
talk to these guys, ask them, "Please don't take the gate down until we get it secure." But we're going to we need to we need otherwise they're going to take the gate down and then we're then we're then guess what? What are you going to do when they take that gate down? Are you going to leave that gate up? >> I got a I got a question. I got a
question. Here you go. Um, >> we were asked right away to just provide an easement. Was that just was that a single? >> I mean, >> it's a 66 ft easement >> is what was >> and was it just for single use or was it non-exclusive? Exclusive or
non-exclusive? Non-exclusive. So, that would have meant that they would have been then we would have had we would have been maintaining a road for a non-exclusive easement which would be numer could be a development back then. So keeping at a township road in the
long-term future is probably better for us because I don't want to maintain for snow removal and gravel and probably paving for a >> that road for 200 for a 200 I mean say it's a 100 unit >> and I and I don't know I don't I don't know if we can do a 66T easement to be
honest with you because where's that where's >> go right onto the closed land go right up the side of the closed landfill. You can't I don't think we can do I don't think so. Um, >> yeah, I don't know for sure, but >> Madam Chair, you guys said Richard, you said you and Charlie drove out there and explored all options. What about coming
in off 24 on 245th, off 144 and turning south of the HHW building and going east from there and coming around our landfill. My big thing is I don't want a county landfill. I don't want it split up with the gates. That's that's one of my big concerns.
>> Well, here's the problem. You're going to have to purchase land, okay? or dig out the demo. One of the two. Very expensive. Build a road. Very expensive. And you're going to put them right in a farm field. That's not where they park.
And I And so you're you're they have a township road right back to where their their property and that's where they park. That's where they hunt at. They're going to have to then either park in the field or make a road. You're you're
putting a lot of >> Well, hold it now. Now, okay, if we go your your way, I mean, there's some trees back there. If you want to fence it, who's going to fence it? Who's going to cut down the trees? That road veers off. It doesn't go straight to their property. There's going to have to be
some kind of a prescriptive easement or something that goes to their property. We got a semi halfway down that road that fills metal. Um, you know, we're going to have to reconstruct that. Um there's a lot of there's a lot of issues here for if this does go through with
the township and with the county. My big goal is would be to get around this somehow so we're not splitting up our solid waste campus. That is my ultimate goal within the parameters of what we got already. But I certainly don't want to make it worse >> than it already is.
>> U is there a property I mean we looked in we the problem on the east is the railroad. No, no, it's not. >> Yes, it is accessing >> to get we I would like us we could maybe buy a property, buy a house and and demo
it and come across but then you got to cross the railroad track. We're not crossing the railroad and they may not even allow it. That's already been researched >> a township road. So, I'm like, you know, we're kind we're blocked. We have a blockade. That railroad blocks us in on that that area. So I mean I
>> and it's a huge swamp on the other side and there's a private land owner over there that is not very fond of us right now. Um uh so it it there is no way coming from the south >> good way to do it. >> Fish and wildlife. >> Yeah, you can
>> build the road across there if you get their permission. >> Um but yeah, there is >> other options. >> We we me and Charlie went out and looked every way we could. I mean, I've looked at that doesn't cost a fortune and there's just not >> when you're looking at cost here, it's a
huge cost to to even try and go around the HHW building, but you're not putting them that you're but you're you're you're going to have to put a road through that field. You're here's what it is. It's a township road. These people should have never agreed to the
county gating it, but you're any other way you're hurting them. We we can handle this at the landfill. We can work with this. But I am not going to put more >> strain dialogue. I mean, I think if we can find if we could have if there was
good solutions, >> there isn't one. But yeah, if there was a So, Madam Chair, uh, so going to the east, >> you don't like that. You don't like it because of the cost. Well, the cost and you're going to put >> is that is that a viable alternative? All costs set aside. >> The east is the railroad
>> the township opening it. >> You would come into 45th. As soon as you get to the HHW building to the south of the HHW, you would head to the east. >> Oh, on this side of the railroad, >> correct? Yes. The railroad isn't even across the side of the railroad.
>> So, that would gain you access >> to the field, Phil, not where they go. Richard, we don't have to. I mean, we've got to provide access. I get that. But I mean, where we provide access, a quarter of land is a half mile by half mile by half mile by half mile. I mean, >> yeah. Well, you're putting them on the
edge of their field. Barry, how do you feel if somebody if you got to give take give up a part of your field to put a road through it so they can get back to where they where they are going now? You're putting a a huge burden on these people to try and get to where they've
been going. And the township has made it clear they're going to open that gate because it now >> we're told we're advised by our attorneys open the gate here. >> Our attorneys this and this is
>> our association advis us the gate has >> go right. >> What's that? >> If it's a township road I just talked to >> say it one more time. He wasn't listening. I talked to Graham Moleberg from the Association of Townships yesterday afternoon and he said if
that's a public road, the gate it cannot be barricaded or gated. If you are, you're in violation of state statutes. Oops. >> Yeah, we we've actually been called to the carpet for allowing that gate to be up as long as it has.
I wish there were other solutions or options, but this is a tough one. There's a reason why this was a township road at one time and is continuing to be a township road to gain access to that property. >> We don't open it. That property is
landlocked. We can't vacate it because it's landlocked. It's a public road. We need to open the gate. It could be vacated with an easement. >> If we provide an easement to the property >> initially, >> then you guys would be out of the equation, right?
>> The land owners initially that's what they come to you wanting last year. We started this last June. >> Just just to know though, I would not support an easement with a for a 66 right and a and a non and an an excl non-exclusive easement. I mean, we couldn't have a I mean, I wouldn't
support a non I mean, just to be fair, I wouldn't support a non-exclusive easement 60 foot 66t wide in there. I'd rather have the township road. >> Madam Chair, Charlie, >> Mike Gingham wanted to be here today. He cannot. He's on a prior medical appointment with his daughter. Uh, just
to get that on record, >> Madam Chair, Charlie, go back to what you were talking about with that easement. >> You said that's where you started. >> That's where Mike Ingram started with the county last. What? That's what initiated all this, >> Bill, and it all led to where we're at
now. >> Well, is that off the table or can that be revisited? >> He he originally requested a 66 foot easement. >> You'll have talked to the land owners on that. >> So, he but but >> Mike told me that's off the table now. He's
>> this he's he's this has stopped the transfer of that land since June. And I I talked to Mike just to see and I talked to Charlie is there. We've rehashed all of this over and over again. And I talked to Mike yesterday
and he he wants the road open. That's what he wants. He's that's their property is at the end of it. He's done. He feels like he >> Where where's the treat where's the township road end? >> My question is so here's the township
road here. Does it end here? No, it goes through those trees and then it veers off to your left there. >> Yep. Does it all go all the way down? No, it doesn't. It goes almost all the way, but >> Almost. But no, it doesn't. >> No, but they've been using it anyway, so
there's no stopping them. >> So, if that road's open and you've got people with garbage thinking that they they come down there, who's going to there's going to have to be a turnaround. Is that going to be on the gate there? >> Is that going to be the county's responsibility? Is that going to be the township's responsibility if this road
does go through? Phil, you put up a gate and a fence there last fall. >> Mhm. That's where they're going to go through. How are they going to get turned around on their property? Whose property? >> Township property. We're talking about
>> You're talking about the public people. >> That's that's the county's responsibility. Go ahead and make a culde-sac there. >> Well, I don't think >> Why is that the county's responsibility? You're asking for You're saying it's a township road. >> Oh, you mean at the end of the township
road where you put up the gate, >> correct? >> Oh, we we'll build a hammerhead turnaround there. Okay. >> And um they'll have a turnaround if they mistakenly drive through your gated area. Is the township going to improve that road then to build that hammerhead
>> that comes through that comes through all the way here all the way down to here? You're going to you're going to improve that road >> and then build a hammerhead down here. >> No, Phil's talking about building the hammerhead where you guys put up the fence in the gate area because that's
where >> Yeah, I've heard that three times, Charlie. Um, so the turnaround there >> fine. So, we're all right, Phil. I don't want to. >> Would the turnaround be a township turnaround then? >> It would have to be. Yeah. >> Okay. So, we got to deal with the
easement down there because that road doesn't go to the Ingam property. We got to deal with a turnaround there. >> Let's work together in getting this done rather than trying to fight everything. Let's be together on this and figure it out rather than put up a roadblock at every turn around here.
>> Where does property start? >> Bingham property starts right here. This is the northwest corner of the Ingam property >> or the red dot. >> Um, >> so you see the little road that comes off there. It doesn't quite get to the property.
>> It veers off here. So there there'll have to be some but it goes it splits right there. It goes here if you can see right there. >> That' probably be the easement part. That would had to be. But um if you did the other option that we disc that was discussed is coming around the HHW and
go this way. >> Correct. >> Um and get access here. But if you look at >> um this is a slooh bottom here. >> Yeah. So you can't to the north of Brandy Lake. >> I don't know if there's any access.
>> No, there's not. Not from there. >> No. To get through here is what I And that's why. So they have access to this property obviously through over the railroad >> but the property is split split by wetland >> right. It is you cannot get through there. >> So
>> so what do we need to do as far as today goes? Well, we we should try and stop these guys from taking that gate down and because if they do, our landfill is not going to be secure and there's nobody going to stop them from taking the gate
down and they've made it clear they're going to. >> So, so we should >> as of right now, the plan that we have approved from the MPCA is going to cost us at minimum 115,000. >> Yep.
I'm not supportive of spending 115,000. I'm not saying that we can't come to a an agreement, but that's what we have approved right now through the MPCA. So, what do we need to if you're saying that there are other options available that
would be significantly cheaper, what does that look like? >> Okay, so it could be we don't we don't know. We need somebody to deal with the pollution control agency. I've heard so many different things now and talking to them they told they told us every
landfill is different. You can use logs, rocks and so I I'm not sure that it's going to cost us that Erica but I'm just telling you if they take the gate down and you don't have a plan I don't know what's going to
happen. So I don't know I'm I'm saying we don't have any say here. >> They're at the end of our thing and they're going to take the gate down. >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Varberg, March 1st, the frost is not going to be on the ground. There isn't going to be I'm not saying we don't need to move this
forward, but if that gate comes down on March 1st, we can't build a fence in that amount of Okay. So, >> that's why if I was you, Phil, and the rest of the board, I'd work something out with them and guarantee them that we're going to secure that landfill as soon as possible and then they can take
the gate down. But if you keep kicking this down the road and they take that gate down on March 1st, it's only going to be on you because you're the one that's held this up. I think >> Madame Chair, >> Commissioner Varberg, you and I are both
on this committee. >> Yes. And you know where I have stood from the very beginning. Last June, I thought the gate was coming down. That's the direction this board gave. You directed them to get a legal opinion. You're you're dragging this out.
>> Madam Chair, point point of I I think we have we have time that I mean I think us working with the township, we want to find the solution. I think they know we do. >> I do. >> The the landowner has his his when the township documents that it's at the
township road to for the needs of the applicant, they have their what they need. So there's no big push for this. the township's going to have to do. You got a pretty good project here um to build that to finish that road if that's going to be done. Um because we're going to have to most likely have some sort of
barricade or fencing on both sides of this. So, I mean it's this project is a longer term project. This isn't something I think the land owner is good satisfied right now because when the township has gives him legal access. So, I mean I don't think this is pressing as long as we work together and have a plan
moving forward. >> There you go. um and and say we will we will either figure some other way which I don't I think those have been looked at and may be exhausted but we can still continue looking but I think we have to find a a I think we need to move
continue moving forward working with the township the land owner satisfied with their legal process now and that's what was pressing but we have to look in the future this could be a development and we have to plan for this to be long-term solution um I there's there's no good
solution here because that fencing agreed >> there's that fencing is going to be costly and the township's going to have a cost getting down here and having a turnaround figure fig figuring out and they're going to have to work with us and we're going to work with them. I hope we're going to >> we are all agreed we're going to work
with the township getting that turnaround. Um the the best thing is I mean be if that land was up for sale we would we would be trying to purchase it right now. >> And I've tried to purchase it twice. >> So >> I have
>> that's the first thing I tried to do was buy the land. >> But I think this fencing on for this side of our landfill has to be more secure than this fencing. Correct. >> Yes. So, I think we could start I think if we
need to start early, >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Nelson, what what you said commi uh fencing on the west side. What do you mean by that? What needs to be >> I think the NBCA is more concerned about this side, aren't they, than >> Oh, you're talking about of the road.
Still not finished, is it? >> No. >> So, >> see that that's one thing that I can't get my head around. The whole southside of your property still isn't fenced. So why is the MPCA so upset about having fence around the rest of it when the southside still isn't fed?
>> Yeah, I think access that comes through >> accessibility. I'm sure. >> Yeah, it is. >> There's fence on the south side of the MURF there. >> So now we >> there's fencing >> we're talking about fencing down here on our property lines. There's no fencing on the south end of our property, >> but there is south of the murf there. There's fence that goes down in those
cavern. But regardless, I think our fence has got a I mean, we may, you know, what's the best case scenario for us? We fence on this. We fence 100 feet here and 100 feet here and >> down at the end. I don't know. And we might have to fence.
>> So, I think our next steps is for >> I mean, maybe it's Steve, Richard, Phil, and and Carrie to meet back up with MPCA. What is what is minimum necessary for us to secure our landfill? Um,
>> you know, madam madam chair, we've done that. Um, she's on vacation this week, this next week or this week, and she's she's asked for some clarifications at this point of what basically that fence going across the road to the CND landfill. She said, "What what are you
going to do here?" Um, that's she's they've asked for some clarification. >> So, clarification on what the minimum requirement for fencing is. >> It madam chair, if I may. Um, they asked before for a proposal. until we submitted that. So if we are changing our position about what we're going to
be actually asking them to approve, then I think we have to modify our proposal and submit it is what I would suggest. >> That's what I would suggest. >> Madam Chair, I'm going to I'm going to ask the township um can you I mean I know you have you've said it, but can you ex I mean there's no rush for the
landowner. Can we extend that to to move forward working for this solution? Now, I would hope that we wouldn't have to fence put a a chain link fence along this. I mean, there's really not a need to put a chain link fence in my opinion. Nobody I mean, what are you going to drive up on? I mean, who's
>> So, so they want to keep people off that, >> right? You don't want any driving on it, >> Barry. But >> the other thing was that there was a lot of gas there. Remember that? Now, that's gone. And so, that that danger, it's almost all gone. We can't even keep the flame lit. >> So, that was the reason for that
>> from when the spill. >> Yeah. That was the reason for that 6 foot chain link barb wire and now that gone. So there could be if we had somebody to work with them. >> They don't give a lot. We need to actually I don't know how to do this cuz
they were up on the screen and we need a little bit of direction from them on what we could get away with and they didn't really give us that but they did say rocks and logs. So that tells me there is some room, didn't they? They
they did. And so again, what they're doing is they're really putting it back on us to come up with a solution. They will review it and tell us yay or nay. It really is where it is, >> Madam Chair. And and that's for the closed landfill portion. We vote with the we met with the closed landfill
people and we met with the continuing landfill. >> Yeah, we met we met twice and the second time there must been nine of them up there. I think there was quite a few of them up there. But I I think there's options that are cheaper if we really
try to figure this out. Um and so well if you could buy a four strand barb wire that's right at $20,000 a mile. I mean, that would be a fraction of what the chain link fence is, and that's
basically going to keep 99 plus% of the people out of there, >> and it'd be easy to gate. And >> yeah, I mean, that would be >> there's a little bit of maintenance on it, but I do not like four strand barb wire, but for the cost, I do not like barb wire.
>> I know cuz I know what you went through. >> Yes, I do not like it. >> Are you going to approve it? Well, I have to because the cost difference and I'm going to have to, you know, try and get those deer to go around. I do not want them tangled up in that barb wire. It's hard on me. But
>> we go high so that they electrify it. >> That's what I like. >> And that would be probably half again the cost of that. >> Yeah, that's what Todd Andre did. And you should see those deer go through that just that wire. >> Well, they can go over that and
>> they go through that wire at high speed. I cannot believe how fast they go through that regular wire. Not the barb wire. The barb wire gets chopped. >> Okay. Do we have a plan? >> I think I think Barry had >> I think I think we just we acknowledge
move forward with the township road. If you if if we find another solution, we can always vaceratively ask to vacate that and if you approve it, then I I don't think we're I don't think we want to fight with the township over this road. if you put it as a township road for this time,
>> we'll work towards that solution. If we can find another solution, we can always backtrack and and work with you to change that. I don't I don't think there is. Um I wish there was, but I don't >> I don't think there is either, but I know that if we did find something that
satisfied them in the Ingams, yes, but it has to be something decent, it's got to be something that works for for the Slaughterhoff family. And and then I think the township I think the township is looking out for the Slaughterhoff family and I'm glad they do. That's my
township. That's where I live. I'm so thankful for my township guys and for everything they do for us. It's and so but well one thing we are going to ask is we would like a a fairly hard firm
date on when we could expect some resolve. I mean, we we left here in June thinking that by fall, this is all going to be a done deal. We got notified in >> December. >> Yeah. End of November or so that that
everything we talked or thought was going on was null and void. >> So, what I I've said this before and I we did drop the ball for sure on what happened in June. you know, we the bids should have been brought back for the
fencing to the board and we should have made some decision and it should have continued to to go. So, I agree we dropped the ball in June. My my struggle with a hard date right now is because we're dealing with the NPCA and we all know government and government doesn't
move fast. So, I don't know what that date could be. >> I mean, other than >> give them a hard date. I think the problem too though is we're gonna have to have the township's hammerhead done also because we're going to have to gate that area. >> We'll have to do an easement.
>> It's not a big deal. You know, if you said we'll work with them, >> right, but I mean would it would just take a little dirt work. We have if if we're going to work with them and we should um we have track, we have loaders. I'll tell you what, we could put that hammerhead in in a couple days.
We could we could fix that road all up in a couple days. it it's not a big deal. Um especially if if >> but I mean it's a partnership that we have we can't I just think we have to have a lot there's we should probably develop the steps and how to get to where we're going and put some estimated
times on those you know >> and what both are like both the township and the the >> yes let's both put together a timeline of what what we want to move how we're going to move forward. Um I think you
know spring spring certainly can um get some of that dirt work done and and get that but we're going to even that road widened or we have to I mean we don't want to if you're going to improve that last part of that trail we don't want a fence before you're done with
>> it's not a trail road. >> Well it looks like a trail to me. It might be a road trail but if you're going to improve that we don't want to fence till after the improvements are done. I would right hopefully we don't have to fence down there >> but I wouldn't imagine that trail is
going to be improved until we have a pretty firm plan from Yangams what their intentions are. >> I mean if that's simply going to be hunting ground we're not going to spend $100,000 improving that trail. No. >> Just as a as a hunting ground >> and if it's going to just be hunting
grounds, >> then >> does it make sense for us to spend $100,000 for fencing when we can give them >> access? The problem here, Erica, is if you restrict access to that property, you're
going to lower the value of it. >> There's a future there that >> I don't think >> that that land that land could be anything 10 years from now. And if you restrict it so that there can't be a somebody living back there or can't be a house, you're you're hurting the value
of that land. And that's >> well let's let's go and and think this a little differently. Let's first of all let's say it's a township road. I mean let's let's assume and then then what what you're asking then is there a is there another solution to work with the
township to keep that limited access with the Ingams and the township keep it's a township road. Let's let's assume it's a township road. Can can we ask the township to cooperatively work with us to limit access on that? That would be the that would be the best solution and
the cheapest solution. It wouldn't fix our problem down the road, but we might have to, you know, if that becomes a development, maybe then we have to go. But so that's a that's an option if it's legal and doable with both. I don't think you >> and just just because of my thoughts and
I could be very wrong and I don't know but my understanding is this is a cartway >> that that >> that's a road. It's the same thing. >> Let me finish. >> Okay. >> Point of order. >> My understanding is a cartway is a cartway is a public road but it's more
for those that the property owners. It's not for a public public go through or drive-thru and it has to be recorded. This hasn't been recorded. >> It's the cartway has >> it's recorded >> in the auditor.
>> It is. It's right here. >> It's a cartway. >> See, the basic difference between a township road and a cartway is most township roads are 66 ft. Mhm. >> A cartway was just designed and developed to access property with a 33- ft
easement that could eventually be developed into a township, a permanent township road. The only reason when that township road was built and and went as far as it did, the reason it wasn't recorded is because
we're finding out that in order to record a township road, it has to be surveyed. It has to be recorded. had it's we checked into that it's right at $3 to $5,000 to have that township road recorded. I think I think what
correct me if I'm wrong, but I think what you're asking is is there a solution for this fairly short term, maybe 3 to 5 years. Is there a solution where we can kind of keep it the same? Keep it's a township road and can we just keep the limited access acknowledging that it's a
township road and and allowing the the Ingrams to get through there whenever they want with as it's gap. I think that's what you're kind of looking for. >> I mean, yes. because I'm and this is a temp this is a short this is a temporary solution and when they want to improve
then we'd have a better idea of what >> but here's the deal that the gate has to come down >> well I'm that's what I'm >> well then we don't have a secure landfill so that that would be we would have to address that >> as as township supervisors we cannot allow that gate to to blockade or go
across the township road >> do you have any of the minutes from the I'm trying I'm trying to learn like what happened in the '9s to understand why it it happened the way it >> this is what we've researched and talking to everybody that we can
possibly find. >> About 1991 92 that's when the MPCA started putting pressure on the on the landfield seal it up close it up. There was a
county employee that talked to Wesley Schlatterhoff family. Mhm. >> And said, "For a temporary, would you allow us to put a gate across that township road temporarily until we can
figure out exactly what MPCA is going to require us to do?" >> Well, it is temporary. >> Kind of sounds familiar, doesn't it? >> It is temporary. >> Yeah. So, it was just left at that. >> Mhm. >> MPCA must have put their thumb down or something and said, "We need to have
this landfill closed." So the county put the gate up there, didn't notify the land owners, didn't notify the township. There was nothing >> official, didn't official, >> nothing officially to vacate the road, to blockade it, to do anything.
>> Well, it was brought up at a township meeting. You know, what in the sam heck is a county doing? Well, the slaughterhouse said they agreed is just going to be for a short period of time. Was that a month, a year, two years? I don't think was intended to be 30 years
>> or 40 or maybe 40. >> Well, um but it just kind of died because nobody really gave a rip because the schladder the land was not really used for farming and there's two or three farms that had been back there that
families had lived on um didn't care either. What's happened is the county actually bought one of them properties. So it just kind of laid there until >> and also we expanded our footprint. We went to go on the other side of the
road. We initially weren't on the other side of the road. >> Yeah. Um but what has happened now is Wesley and Anna Schlaughterhoff has died and this land has gone to their children and now they're passing it on to the grandchildren and instead of just quick claim deeding and doing a bunch of that
stuff just getting it by as cheap as they possibly can. Now the there's five or six heirs that are going to buy this land from the other heirs and they're they're borrowing money doing a bunch of that stuff to buy it
because it's relatively expensive. So what's happening now is attorneys are getting involved and everything has to be done properly. They're finding out that what was done in '91 92 93 is not right. So they're not getting the financing and they're not getting the property
transferred. They don't have legal access to the property. >> Exactly. >> Documented legal access. >> Documented. >> Yeah. >> So that's what's bringing this all. The reason it's just been sitting there festering for 30 years is because >> basically nobody cares. Is there if there is a way that we can if we
research and I I think you've researched, but if we research and find uh a way to have a township road with limited access and the Schlatter hops agree to some sort of limited access so we don't have so we can keep some sort of fencing at the main entrance. Would
you be favorable? We would acknowledge that there would be a if it's allowable and that it is a township road >> allowable get it passable through the the township legal system >> and and and it's a township road. I mean
I think that would be our best solution. >> Madam Chair, Commissioner Nelson, I I don't disagree that that wouldn't be a good solution for today to get all of us through. But is that going to be good for the commissioner sitting here 20 and 30 years down the road? They will have
>> we're not going to let it sit for 20 or 30 days. >> Well, I mean we're kicking the can. We are kicking the can down the road if they want and I'm acknowledging that we are kicking the can down the road if this is developed. Um >> Oh, you mean kicking the in the event that >> if it's developed then we'll have fun
and develop. >> But what's the difference if if we spend a we spend $115,000 now or in the future spend the equivalent in that day's money to the same thing? I mean, I don't think it matters. the township doesn't have to build their hammerhead. We I mean, if the parties agree and we can do it
legally, I think that would be our >> from what we've been told, >> there's no way the township at the state level through our legal departments is going to allow a township road to be gated. That's just absolutely
>> no. Is there conditions on that if it's receiving money? I think Jim has some input on here. So, there might be some conditions. Jim, Madam Chair, would you recognize me? >> Yes, Jim. >> Statutes do allow for temporary closures. Could
you could you get us those stat us and >> Charlie and Kevin? >> Why does that matter? >> It's only temporary. >> Yeah, it's just >> What is temporary? >> Yeah. What does temporary mean? >> There's no definition. >> Temporary.
I mean, I know what temporary means, but so that's not a long-term solution either, >> but no, we're not. You're just I know they're concerned about how and I think this could get through you know until we
don't feel >> so so I think the best solution let's can we can you guys these two and Carrie meet let's look at these let's come up some kind of an agreement. We will continue to work with MPCA to find out
what we minimally have to do to work towards >> gate fencing >> fencing solution and try to come up to with a solution together that meets our needs as far as being fiscally responsible and keeping
our land feel secure as well as your needs of getting the the township road open andor schlaughterhoffs. access >> access through easement >> because I think we're not going to have a solution today other than knowing we're willing we we want to work with
you and and figure out a solution. Okay, getting back to a date. Would September 1st be a realistic date to have a kind of a firm plan in place that would we could expect to know that
okay within the next two months, 6 months, 8 months, this is going to be done, this is going to be done, this is going to be done. >> I think September 1st, a plan in place is doable. I mean like I I would hope we have a a plan in place before September 1st.
>> That would be true. That's we do too. But I mean Yeah. >> But I think we are committed to not dropping the ball again. >> Good. We want to hear. So, I mean, and and and committed to make sure that those that
are on this board figure out the solution and fix this issue so that the next board here or the next board at the township aren't dealing with the same thing. >> Amen to that. Madam Chair, there's I you know, just throwing this out there,
there might be another solution where we could just buy we could just pay the Schlatterhoffs X amount of money to negate their access if the township agrees to close that to vacate that road and we pay them X
amount of money to just not pursue that issue and access from the other side because they do have access across the railroad um to get to their field. >> No, they don't. >> No, they don't. >> There's a little triangle piece they or us would have to purchase.
>> So, they How do they How do they How do they get to that field? >> I don't know how they There's also a problem with Canadian Pacific to get >> But they have access across they have to have access to that field. >> I believe that's a private
private driveway. >> Wayne Slaughteroff has access across there. And I asked him about this right away. Berry. That was the first thing. >> This parcel right here. >> That is the same name on both of them. >> Yeah, it is. But Wayne lives right there. And they told me that the CP will
not allow any extra traffic across that crossing. They want to limit access or traffic on those crossings >> because it's a private crossing, right? It's not a public crossing. >> So, they can't get >> and there is a road in >> further down off 59. Once again, both of
those roads cross the railroad. >> Okay, we we could stay here for hours to try to but that's our commitment. We're not going to drop the ball. >> I hope before September 1st um because
this we are going to continue to >> to work on it. Yeah, I think I think if we go down to fencing, I think then we have to >> could before I mean we have to have the plan so at least you get that hammer. If we do fencing, we got to get that budget for it. >> We kind of have to budget for it.
>> Well, the budgeting comes from out of >> Yeah. It comes out of environmental. We have the money in environmental. It's not something we levy for. >> This will be paid for by tipping fees. >> Yes. And the money is there and it's so it's not going to change our levy or anything like that. It'll it could
increase your tipping fee. >> Yeah. Well, I hope not. >> Well, the money has got to be it's got to be spent. So, it's sign it will I mean it might not be significant over the course of for everyone, but it is an increase in your for taxpayers. So, >> okay.
>> Okay. >> So, Madam Chair, a plan moving forward. So, Carrie, are you going to be the head of this or me and Richard or what what >> I think it's essential Carrie is the lead on >> I think so. That's what I would assume. >> Okay. >> I can try and work with you.
>> Oh, >> I thought you said you like him. >> I do like him. I do like him. >> Hey, we'll just wait to hear from >> I will look at >> Are you moving forward with with registering that or as a township road?
I mean >> to gave to give >> We have an annual meeting coming up in March. We're going to bring it up to our constituents. Um, we have we've got some hard firm prices and and that type of stuff. We would we're not really looking to spend an
extra five grand just to record a township road that we've always thought it's a township road. So, >> well, that's got us to this point. So, maybe we should spend a little money now so we don't have to spend a lot more. All of us involved, even us. I mean, I'm talking us, too. So
>> yeah, it's yeah, it's it's a topic on our annual meeting. >> Yep. >> Okay. Okay. >> But um just for a point of clarification with the statute, Jim, that you referenced uh the resolution that you suggested, that might be a temporary. >> Yeah, that' just be very temporary,
>> but it would give them the legal access uh for their uh property. >> Yep. >> So we could do that leg. You could do that. We could do that legally right now. No, they have I mean not we I mean but you >> but that might be enough for them to move forward with their
>> that might be enough for them to get the land closed and all. Correct. That's what I'm saying. Correct. That's what I was suggesting. >> I I I think I I would like some other solutions, but I think the best solution for you is to to do that, make it a township road and then ask that we'd ask you to pass that
resolution to temporarily keep it temporarily keep it closed. Then you meet your legal obligation. Well, I don't think they it is a township road. They don't have to do anything to make it a township road to do the resolution to temporary gate it. >> They have to to get legal for the minimum for the
>> individuals that need legal access. >> They need to do that >> for the future. I think it would be best in our interest and in theirs to get it legally recorded at the county and then there's then there is no issue >> then then we move forward from that issue from that >> they can move forward with whatever
development or whatever they wanted to do >> it gives them their legal access that they need to make the transfer of ownership >> but there there's going to be c I mean that that probably requires a a survey at the end of that road I mean there's some going to have to be done there with an easement so I mean there there is
going to be some probably significant cost, >> fair amount of cost >> for everyone. >> We understand that. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Moving on. >> Thanks, Kevin. Kevin, thanks a lot. >> We'll get it done. >> Let's um appreciate your patience with
us. >> All right. Let's um bring up Brian. >> Sorry, Brian. We maybe should have >> Brian Brian learned a lot. >> I think there were some questions, you know, even across that wetland. If there would have been access, Brian could have helped answer some of that accessibility
across wetlands. They're not, >> you know, if those two properties are staying together, they still have accessibility across that wetland concern, >> right? Yeah. And even even the current view, it looks like it may be not wetland, but you know, possible it should be investigated.
>> Yeah. The current township road access point I don't think has any wetland issues, but that'll have to be clarified for improvements. >> Right. Okay. >> All right, Ryan. >> Very good. >> We're ready for you. >> Bet you're going to be short.
>> I'm hoping the Crowing River comprehensive water management plan implementation phase is uh on its second year now. And during the planning process, the White Earth Nation was involved. Um they just uh were having
trying to get the council to commit to adopting the plan and being a part of the group and they since then have uh decided to join the group and are requesting uh inclusion on the implementation
agreement now as one of the I guess not technically an LGU but act like uh one of the participating LGUs in implementing the plan and >> so basically it's amendment to add the White Earth Nation to the >> correct >> Madam Chair I'll make a motion to
approve oneE. >> All right, we have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> All right, any further discussion? >> Uh Brian, you said White Earth is not an LGU. The the resolution states the other LGUs. Do you got to say to the other LGUs and White Earth or I mean I mean
I'm just looking at this here, >> right? I >> does that matter? I don't know if it really matters in your resolution, but >> and it it was approved by the um policy committee already for the crow ring wershed. >> Okay. >> Yep.
>> Yeah. And I did bring the agreement to county attorney for his review and >> Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. So, we have a motion. We have a second. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppose. >> Motion carries. >> All right.
>> Thanks, Brian. Thank you. All right. >> Are you back to me again? >> Back to Carrie with >> um Madame Chair, um just wanted to update the board. Um, if you recall a while back, I had submitted some
training modules and plans to the Department of Corrections asking for our environmental staff to be able to be um trained as through some of the training that the jail does with correctional officers as
>> emergency backup for the IQquick crew leader if they were out ill or on an emergency basis. Um, so I was waiting on that. I just I uh I don't recall within the last week or so got approval from the Department of Corrections. So that
will move forward. So um I've informed Steve and I know at the uh sheriff's committee I did uh reference that as well. So, um I think at least one environmental staff, perhaps two will, um we'll figure out the training internally
and so that they can so since that's been approved um so we'll have at least an additional person that can fill in on an emergency basis. >> Madam Chair, so we got you got approved to apply the training that you came up with, >> correct?
>> Okay. So timeline on that? um as soon as we can get they are working on I know the jail um was working on doing some training of new correctional officers. So it's just a matter of assigning who's going to do which module. So I I don't I don't anticipate it'll take very long
>> once a person starts the training. Is it a month-long process, a week process? Uh pretty quick days. All right. >> Thank you. >> Um I had referenced I had had a call um with the uh DNR. Um, I spoke a little
bit about the Eagle Lake. The other thing I, um, if you recall, I I want to say it was last summer, you had Ben Bergie that came in. He spoke about a potential between the DNR and White Earth for joint management of the white
uh, of the forest. Um, similar to the Tamarak Wildlife Refuge. Um, so when I was had the conversation with you and me yesterday, um, and I also had heard this from um, Mr. Hank. Uh maybe you guys heard about it in your
>> Dusty mentioned it. >> Okay. Yep. And I heard about it yesterday from U Mr. Hanks as well from the tribe. They're expecting that thatou for joint management efforts between those two entities will probably be signed off on uh yet this week. Um what
Mr. Bergie had indicated was really it's memorializing the current arrangement that they have. I I think I mentioned this in committee report too um at our last meeting because Richard and I um when our at our NRM meeting Dusty and um Mark brought that up and discuss it and
said they're basically and he he gave examples in our meeting what they do and what they've been doing >> um just kind of >> um and it it was nice to get a heads up like that and I think that's important for our relationships moving forward that we're you know put everything out
on the table. Um so I think these meetings with are very helpful >> they they are very good it's >> and relationship is >> and those guys are there you know indivi when you talk to individuals I I wish state and federal governments could do
this too when you talk and have a dialogue back and forth things you're you're not thinking you're trying to be t you're not feeling take something's underhanded or you know you you go oh well that makes sense you know it's not >> so that relationship has been very good and They've actually sped up the logging
process when when it got shut down >> and so yeah, that's worked out very well. >> Madam Chair, I I missed out on the fireworks and all this. I just read it in the paper. But so what what area are we talking about? >> The joint >> the statement stateowned management the
state properties. >> Correct. Within the >> is that the 75,000? >> Not not our tax for it's the state the state managed properties. Tamarak. >> No, that's federal. That's federal. They've already got >> It's similar. It's similar to what they were language similar.
>> They have a agreement with them. >> So, how would I know where that area is or how many acres is that? >> Well, if you look on your map, there's different colors for for county land or for state land. So, it's it's on the state managed land. >> State managed land. Okay.
>> So, we have county managed land and their their state managed land. >> Yeah. So, and I would mimic what you said. I mean, it's uh I very much appreciated getting the heads up both from the DNR and from the from from the tribe on on this issue. So,
um moving on. Um oh, I should say with that, he made it very clear of the DNR that um there is language in there that this has absolutely nothing to do with any land transfer. >> Um so there is language per I have not seen it. He said he would send us a signed copy once it's signed, but
there's language in there in reference to that. what it does not entail. >> Um work has been continuing on blight properties and a process. >> Madam Chair Kerry, just to go back to I think um
>> within our departments at NRM with I think the foresters are working well together. I mean there there's good communications and I think this averts hopefully any future concerns you know like we had in you know a year ago but um those guys are are working well
together so that it's very it's >> good to hear. >> Yeah I I think we have a really good relationship on the ground. >> We had a very productive 2025 too >> with the two the well we have two foresters now and a a backup but yeah
>> I see that too. Yeah, and I again would mimic what you've said. I mean, I have weekly calls with the White Earth and Manomomen County. So, that has been very helpful for sharing of information as well. So, I think it's it's going well all the way around. >> And you you said Mr. Hanks was Richard. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. I' you know, it's I see him and he's very very >> He was at one of our uh commission not very long ago. >> Yeah. A couple Yeah. summer. >> What was he here? What was he here for? He was >> Oh, the the tower. The Rat Lake tower. >> Yeah. and just here to observe. Um
there's been continued work being done on uh blight properties. Um we have put together a uh working document as far as a process as well as kind of a checklist that we're going through. Um there's arrangements being made for one of the properties to be viewed next week. So
things are are moving uh in the direction that we've all discussed. Um I will be drafting and I've referenced this before, but um you can expect it to put it on your radar. we've talked about or it was requested that I look at email retention policies. I did
bring this up in the department head meeting. Um we have not had this before in the county. So it's really about what kind of timeline we potentially might want to consider for an email detention. It's going to be a tough a tough change I think for some that are used to having
you know years of emails. But, you know, when we start talking about storage and um, you know, having a policy about how long we're going to manage and keep those things >> and I think some of it also goes off of, you know, retention policies. If we have
keep it for years and years and years and statute says only keep it this long, you know, >> depending on the content of what, you know, so I and I so I think that and I think it goes back to, as I said when we brought this up, if we were ever
>> um cyber attack and they MCIT had to go through every email and how many of those emails are talking about the potluck and the Christmas party and all that that >> you have to kind of wait through >> we have to pay for it all but if we don't have uh some kind of retention
policy in place that all those are there so >> well and I think you have that and I think another uh issue that's attached to this is when you have data requests and we've gotten many many more data requests over the last probably year I would say >> so depending on what they're asking for.
I mean, that's a lot of data. >> And then if you don't have consistency be and this has been brought up in our department head meeting, if you don't have consistency between departments and uh to really give any guidance about how long you actually keep emails, some are deleting, some aren't.
>> Um so I think it would be just better to be consistent of what the policy >> agrees. >> So madam chair krie that is directed by statute, right? How long you have to keep certain >> certain content. Well, in townships it it was clearly by you have to keep certain documents for certain number of
years. The county doesn't have that. We make up our own policy. >> Well, emails, you remember depending on the content, so there's certain statutory requirements about like how long you might keep hiring information or certain information, but we don't have a blanket policy for emails in
general. That's what I'm saying. >> And that's what you're trying to correct. >> Oh, correct. So, I'm not going by necessarily content within the emails. I'm going blanket email. >> You would say blanket emails un unless otherwise required by statute. >> Correct. Correct. So there might be some
outliers uh legally that you may need to maintain something longer. >> So how how the state does it is we have a one-year email retention policy and if there's anything that must be kept, you save that email in >> in a folder.
>> So >> and then those folders are reviewed after x amount of years or time. Yep. >> So, >> so okay, more more to come on that subject. >> Um I believe this has already been
talked about, but with the um the the legislative conference, I know Peggy has registered a few. I can remember a couple of you already. So, if you're interested, uh please let Peggy know and she'll get you. Oh, today. Let Peggy know today. >> I'll let you know by the end of the day. But
>> because the both the hotels cut off tomorrow. >> Okay. And I have to register you before I can get the link for the hotel. >> Okay. Okay. >> What is that date again? >> Fourth and fifth. >> Fourth and fifth. >> Third. >> Third is the MRC. Fourth and fifth. >> So we have we have board meeting that
morning. >> So I have to go to MRC that night. So I could I for sure get the evening of the 3. >> Mhm. Um I don't think I have anything Wednesday and maybe the meeting is the fourth fourth and the fifth then.
>> Mhm. >> Okay. might tenatively put me down for the both. It's third and >> um I got a message from uh Kyle and he just wanted me to update the board. Um he is starting a process where he's
reviewing some of those conditional use permits and uh parameters within to make sure that they are um staying within what was approved. So more to come on that. Um that's all I have in my report. So, the last item I have for your
consideration is resolution 1F. This is what was requested uh by this board for me to be able to de to delegate authority to me to be able to sign off on ongoing contracts um that uh rather than coming to full board. >> Motion to approve one.
>> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> All right. We have a motion to second. Any further discussion? Uh, Madame Chair, I one concern I had is, you know, the I don't mind if you sign off on those, but the 5% increase, I I thought
that was a little bit lofty. I I was thinking maybe we could do like a 3%. >> Uh, >> it doesn't matter to me. I took that in when we had we had a 5% increase in what was it? Food. Yeah. >> Just that that came before us. >> I took that information from this board.
So, if you want me to modify that, I sure can. I I don't mind you doing that. Um it's just it's 5% increase. You have the ability to sign any contract that goes up by 5%. It's just unless it's over that. I I thought that was a high
threshold for us to be looking at. Um I would I would >> What number would you prefer? >> I I would suggest three. I don't have a the motion maker and it doesn't if you want to just modify that
to a 3% good >> and I'm fine we find that you want me to modify it to find I'm fine >> we're asked to do budgets and I mean if we do all our contracts are at 5% that can add up after a while. >> Okay. So we have uh >> friendly amendment
>> friendly amendment to change the um proposed increase to 3% >> instead of five >> instead of five. Okay. >> All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries.
>> Madam Madam Chair, I'd like to request a like a fivem minute break. >> All right. Five minute break. >> Come on, guys. >> So long, Dave. All right. >> Future com. >> Do we have everybody? >> We do.
>> All right. Back in order. Carrie said she has an update for us. We're going to quick >> I do. Uh Madam Chair, um while we were on break here, I did get a response from the MPCA that I did want to update you on. My question really was what's required for fencing because that's the question of the day. Correct.
>> Um so they did say um barb wire is acceptable. >> Okay. >> Um so I do have that answer. So um we do potentially have some cheaper options. >> Well then I think our solution is very much >> very easier >> um easier to make. >> Okay.
>> It's a gate it will be gating and monitoring those gates will be >> we do have some a few outstanding questions with the MCCA but I will follow up with that. But I wanted to give you that information. >> Okay. Thanks for that update. Moving on. Denise. >> Denise, I've missed you. We don't see
you nearly as much anymore. >> Thank you. >> We're only an hour and 10 minutes behind. >> Y. >> Oh, and I forgot I didn't go to the bathroom. >> Too bad. >> Oh, no. >> Don't worry. I went for you. >> George got me talking about basketball and then I lose track of everything else.
Um I have two contracts for your consideration and approval. The first is the Mahobi Atta 2026 um uh childcare administration program contract renewal. We did have that in the December list and summary, but it
was inadvertently incorrect the dollar amount. So, we have corrected that with this submission, and it is not to exceed $91,383, which is exactly the same as last year. >> Um, and
>> just just for reference, this is a contract that would not need to come back to us. >> Yeah. >> Correct. I had indicated kind of um >> it was a change, but it was on the agenda. >> It was 51. 41 was on there. 51 or something. >> It was 53 and it should be 91.
>> Yeah. you know, as we move down this road. Um, I I think this is a good thing to to but I would like the list of renewals that to come to us still. I mean, just to say that these these have been renewed. So, we're try to familiarize ourselves with >> Madam Chair. Wouldn't that be in the
consent agendas? I mean, we would still know they're being reviewed. You would just sign them. >> They would not They would not be in consent agenda. No, they would be authorized to sign by the administrator. I I >> Well, we could >> I mean, that's county business. I mean,
that I I would think that would be in consent agenda. I mean, we can just figure it out. >> Even if it's on the consent agenda, the following the following contracts were reviewed and signed a list of them. >> I think he's talking about future future contracts, >> not new contracts, recurring contracts like this one,
>> right? They would not. It would be Carrie has the authorization to sign them for the board as to sign the renewal. They could you could put them on the consent agenda as information, >> but it's a renewal. That's county business. That is work that she's doing. I mean, that's what the consent agent is all about, I
think. Approve the minutes. Uh, you know, new contract or uh recurring contracts like this, pay the bills. >> We I'm just saying we made that motion. So, it does not have to be approved by the county board. A renewing contract. >> Would it? >> Correct. But you just said you wanted to
know and I said would the consent agenda be the place to see? >> I thought you said they would need to come to the ag consent agenda. >> Madam chair, if I may, um perhaps it would be helpful under my report if I just gave you a listing of what I Yes, >> that's all. >> I don't know that it belongs in the
consent agenda, but I would certainly give a report >> because that needs board that agenda is board approval. >> Back to the Mahubi Atwa. Um, do I have a motion to accept the um amended contract? >> I'll make a motion to approve the amended Maui Outwa contract.
>> All right, I have a motion by Dave. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Barry. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Thank you. And the uh second contract is
um with Minnesota State Community and Technical College. It's a small space lease for the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy. It's for $24,000. It is grant funded. Um we get the $24 and we just in effect pay to them. So,
it's a inn-out for us. It's a one-year renewal from July of 2026 to June 30th of 2027. um uh you know acknowledging that there may be some changes in the future. They didn't think those changes would take
place um prior to this. So they entered into this contract with us. >> I'll move to approve uh the space lease for one-year renewal for Moahhabi Arno uh >> Minnesota child welfare training
academy. >> Thank you. Um, do we uh we have a motion by Phil. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Dave. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed?
>> Motion carried. Thank Denise. >> Thank you. >> Just a quick question for Denise. Do you have um Tiara's not going to like me asking this question, but how is how is the new family paid leave working? I mean, are you managing through that? >> Um, >> it's a little early. We don't have a lot
of takers yet, but I think that we will. And um >> it may be a challenge. >> I I'm just trying to >> think ahead of I I think it's been mentioned here. Is there is there a roving county support? You know, maybe we form a loose alliance with Clay
Ottertale to have a you know, and the surrounding counties to have a loose alliance of some of the specialties that need you need so so much lenture to to fill those. I mean, you can't just fill some of your positions. And I I guess I don't know what how we can
>> how we can address that. >> And it's not just that though, Barry. It is. I agree that. But it's it's even how with truck driver, try and get a CDL driver. Try and get a backo operator. It's going to be a big problem for all of us. I think we need to get the counties together and get rid of this thing.
>> What? But >> I think we have to plan on not getting rid of it because I mean I because I don't I don't think it's going anywhere but I think we need to find out cuz no offense to CDL or backho drivers but
>> those those things can be delayed if you have to. I mean >> some of this can >> some of this some of this stuff cannot be we are we are liable we are statutoily obligated to do these jobs >> especially the protective services >> and we can't I mean if a road doesn't
get plowed till later in the day we you know people are mad but you cannot a child say a child welfare case you cannot put that off you I mean li lives those kids' lives would be endangered I
mean th those are the things that worry me if we're if we have >> correctional officers is another big one. >> Yeah. So, I mean, I don't know if there's some way to look at that or if there's some of that discussion, but it's something to >> I think what would be helpful, and this is maybe for for Tiara more than Denise,
is for us to understand more of is it really the the moms and dads going out or is it the you know, people taking care of their parents or their brothers or their sisters, all the other allowing
criteria that this act allows. Madam chair, it's not just >> Isn't that privileged information though? We wouldn't be able to ask those things, right? >> I don't you couldn't ask individually, but you could ask >> collectively. >> I think you could ask for generally. >> Come on up.
So to to the point for Denise's department specifically, we do have the temporary contract for temporary um social workers that we could utilize, especially in her point for >> except it's significantly expensive like
it's not cheap. >> No, it's not. But neither is >> overdoing workloads for other individuals and losing people because of it. So we have it as an option at least in her department. for reference to what we're experiencing currently as a county. Last year in
total we had 39 leaves totally through the year. Um eight of eight of those were child related. So why I'm referencing that is eight of those individuals can technically take an additional 12 weeks. Now into 2026 they
have 12 months from birth or placement of child to take those additional 12 weeks. So, we can still experience that this year. So far this year, we've had 10 leaves in the application process being approved. Um, three more that I'm
aware of. And what I can give you reference to is what's medical versus family. We have I didn't write those numbers down specifically. Six that have been medical so far. Four that are family. So, that's what I can give reference to. >> And medical meaning themselves.
>> Yes. medical means themselves versus family means whatever sort of support is needed for a family member that's qu qualified under the leave. >> Okay. So madam chair ti so we not only have to we pay for that right for them
being out on medical a percentage correct >> as a yes the more important part is we have to replace that person in the work they they do so that means their work gets spread over other workers and if we don't have the lure or the CDL or whatever that becomes
>> it's too soon at this point to really get a good grasp on how it's going to affect financially for the county if It's going to be a number of overtime hours for those individuals that are hourly. Like in Denise's case, her social workers are salaried employees.
So, what we would probably expect more is burnout for these individuals if we have a match. >> But a salaried person at a 20 case load, if someone else goes out and they got a cover, it's it's a salaried worker at a 30 or 40 case load. Correct. I mean, that that >> Yep.
>> And we we we may never know. We may may never be able to put a dollar amount to this because it's it's time lost. It's it's it's in intrinsic value more than >> I mean the number that you for sure can put to it is what case load >> Yeah. >> is is there that has to be then spread
across other individuals >> to be able to cover it >> in a salaried case. In hourly cases, obviously we can we can track and quantify overtime, but that's kind of where we're at at this point. And it's probably too early to really understand.
>> I think the first year too probably >> might not be completely fair because you're having some carryover from the previous year >> to to to manage and that and >> yeah, the first year is going to be >> especially hard. Mhm. >> Madam Chair, the school district mentioned at that legislative assembly
that they had seven people using this paid family move already as well in January. >> Right away. So we're on pace here. Didn't we talk about We're on pace. This is the pace we were at July last year. >> Pretty close. I mean, we had the end of January. Yep. We had nearly 40 total for
the whole year last year. We're already at >> We can say 13 because I know of three additional that are in the works. >> So this is a cost to the county. I mean, it is. you might not see it all, but it's a cost >> and it's not our it's not only our county like in county boards and
different um platforms that I utilize. >> It's being felt across all of the counties pretty much the majority of counties that I've spoke to are like at that 50% of last year pace really >> already at this point. >> Okay. Thank you for that information.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Denise. >> Thanks, Denise. And now we'll just move on to Sierra since you're here. >> I'm next. Uh, first item that I have is resolution 2261D. This is
>> All right. We have a motion to accept resolution 2D. Do we have a second? >> I will second. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> Terry, did you have anything significant to add? >> Nope. >> It's an It's an extension on a current. >> Extension on current. Y >> currently. >> All right. Um, any further discussion?
All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Motion carries. >> The second item that I have is a policy for variable part-time employment status. This is not something that we've looked at previously in the county, but
we do have um some individuals that would fall under it. Specifically, it's based on correctional is probably the most that we would see it. Um, for those variable people that aren't meeting our thresholds and don't qualify under the union, of course, is the next piece.
They can't qualify under the union or we can't do this. But um so this is just moving forward with putting some sort of policy in place to be able to regulate that and say if you're not going to work at all, we probably don't need to continue to pay like the uniform
allowance that we've been doing because we don't have anything saying that we shouldn't be or different. >> So essentially what this policy is saying is you must work a minimum of two 200 hours in order to remain a variable employee. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> Yes. Any Do I have a motion? >> Motion to approve. >> All right, we have a motion by Barry. Do I have a second? I'll >> second. >> Second by Dave. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed. >> Motion carried.
>> Thank you. >> Thanks, >> All right. Next up, we have Jim. Morning, commissioners. Morning. >> Morning. >> Highway has one item for your consideration. It's a bid acceptance. Uh
bids were open for the Westlake Drive project uh on January 22nd. Uh we had three biders on on submit bids for us and had a little spread there. But the low bid came uh in for Hog uh of Detroit
Lakes at 5 million uh $16,96655. This was a really good bid about 20% under our engineers estimate. Obviously, Hul is qualified and has worked for us in the past and we're recommending award
um to them for that. Well, we're essentially we're accepting the bids and then authorizing or letting the city know that they can go ahead and award on our behalf for that project since they will be administering that project. >> Madam Chair, I'll move to approve the
bid award uh one 1C for Westlake Drive. >> Second, >> second third fourth. >> All right, we have a motion by Phil, second by Richard. Any further discussion? Uh Jim, no. So just so we're clear, we talked about this in committee, but this this is the road
project only and the bike trail, right? Is the bike trail included in this? But it's not any of the amenities that the city is going to award uh on the beach. Those things might be running co-currently as the as the project is is
being done. So that that this is just the road and it's going to go in a few different phases, too. So I mean, that'll be good to know later on once it gets started. All right. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carried.
>> Thank you, Jim. >> Thanks, Jim. >> All right, Shane, come on up. >> Could we have another break? >> Nope. >> Nope. >> You had a chance. >> I know. >> You missed it. >> Blame George. >> Well, if you give the approvals the way
you did for Tiara, we won't be here long. So, um, morning ma madam chair, m or members of the board. Uh Sheriff Glander couldn't be here today. He had a funeral, so I'll be presenting on his behalf. Uh the first item for you uh is resolution 02-26-1A.
It's a joint powers agreement with uh Becker County on behalf of both the county attorney's office and the sheriff's office. Uh this is an agreement that um to maintain the county's connection with the systems that we use uh through the state in the BCA for all of our criminal justice
data. I had a question that um I don't know it's appropriate tier might want to be here but in the resolution that on number two that that's it states that the sheriff Todd Glander or his or her successor >> Yeah I saw that. >> So is he going through some changes that I should know about
>> I saw the his or her too. There was an announcement that he made but I think this gives you know beyond just his it should be just his successor his success because he is not a her and the successor could be a her but >> it refers to Todd as a his or her >> I'm guessing that was a miss on
boilerplate language so >> would you like to would you like to approve it with those changes Brian Brian number three I was I was going to mention number three is the same one >> well I wasn't so sure about that >> I don't know if you can even ask that question >> probably Probably not.
>> I think we can. >> Okay. With those changes, do we have a motion to approve 1A? >> I'll make a motion to approve 1A with changes. >> Um, do we have a second? >> Second. >> Very second. All right. Any further discussion? >> Yes, Madam Chair. So, Carrie, would this
be one of the items that you would be There's no money involved here. It's just an agreement. Would this fall under >> This is new. >> This is new. Okay. So, next year, >> it's a recurring one. So would this be something that she would be authorized to sign as well with what we passed?
>> This is not a money transaction. This >> right? >> Um I have to look at your policy language I guess to see how if this falls in but I >> I would some agreements might need a resolution. >> You know what one thing that just can really concerns me about all these contracts is that you know the his her
okay I mean if we don't see these things is the attorney looking at is somebody looking at this to make sure this is done? If she's signing it, she's looking at it. >> Well, the his her was in the resolution, not the not the >> not the agreement agreement. Okay. >> I mean, I I get these and we get them
regularly. And I >> Well, we could just ask Carrie to Unless it's timesensitive. >> I mean, don't don't sign the I mean, we can have a consensus that say, Carrie, unless something's timesensitive, bring it to the board. >> Yeah. Something that happened last year
was when we approved that surveyor, the the county surveyor >> and nobody caught it except Barry. It was a 10% escalator increase each year. I looked through it. I just kind of brushed it. Okay, it's survey. I didn't catch that. We'd be paying 10% more if
somebody didn't catch that. Mercifully, he did. I I worry about these. Not that we shouldn't do them, but that somebody's actually looking at them because I don't I'm not 20 pages of legal ease that I I can't read.
>> Well, I mean, I think >> does that does anybody else have that concern? >> Bill and I had a conver but yes, we I mean we do have it is our obligation to read those contracts. I mean, because I tell here's here's another thing in in contract language. We can say if if if the county attorney approves, but the
county attorney is just looking at the legal part of it. We are the ones that putting the content in that legal. So I mean he says yeah I don't see any problem with it because but are the the nuts and bolts we are the ones that have to >> Madam Chair Commissioner Nelson I depend on my department heads that bring this
stuff forward this >> I don't I I've I have to assume that they know what they're doing and I want to support them but I >> well I I think you >> I'm on the hook for this and the administrator's on the hook and >> absolutely >> y >> I feel a tremendous obligation there. Um
maybe we can have further discussion about this at our strategic planning session tomorrow. >> Well, I I I think we just have a consensus now. It's been made a motion that that unless that that what we authorize is for cases where you can't get where it's timely and we
>> I mean if that's what you want, but we can talk about it tomorrow and just say, >> you know, >> okay, we have a motion on the table. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I >> opposed. Motion carried. Just one point of clarification on that too. There's a small fee. It was $600 for the talk
about that. >> I saw that. >> Uh item number two uh is an out ofstate training request. Um one of our investigators um and there's been some um stuff brought before the board before on like our Cellbrite for our cell phone extractions, things like that. Um he's
kind of becoming our uh technology guru, I guess you could say. So there is a federal um training uh that he's been accepted to at the National Computer Forensics Institute. It is 100% funded um but it is out of state. Uh it's a
multimedia investigative techniques course where um he would be learning the fundamentals and challenges associated with uh image and video analysis. So a lot of those extractions that do from phones and things like that. Um you know a lot of the stuff with AI now validating that these are you know
correct and not AI images thing things like that. >> Um everything is paid for food lodging travel um and the training is all paid. The only thing is a there'd be a small fee for um a rental vehicle while he's there. >> We talked about this in finance. We thought it'd be about $400 maybe for the
vehicle. Um it's funded by the Secret Service. Um, our only concern, I think Erica and I were, you know, that our deputy is here for a while to, you know, doesn't retire the day after he gets back. And I don't know how we can change that anyway, but we wanted to make sure
the information could be used in Becker County. >> That Yeah, if it was county money, I'd say we have a clawback clause in there, but it's not county money. So, >> yep. >> We can't tell what employment is, but he's got some years before retirement, so it we feel it's a good investment
into him. And and also too, and this is normal, but he's getting paid his regular wage to be there. >> Yep. >> Y I just want to make sure I do that. >> All right. >> Do we need approval on that? >> Yeah, we need state. >> Out of state travel, we do. Yeah. >> I'll make a motion to approve the uh uh
multi- media investigation techniques training out of state. >> All right. We have a motion. We have a second by Barry. Any further discussion? >> It's actually Alabama is where he's going. All right. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed.
>> Motion carries. >> Any other business? >> Um, what time's our meeting tomorrow? >> I was just going to Thank you. Um, reminder 8:30. >> 8:30. >> Do you have agenda? >> Have a good day. >> Thanks. >> Thanks. Thanks, Shane. >> Do we need to prep for anything?
>> Thanks. >> All right. Ajourn. >> Are you going to bring donuts?