Kittson County Board Proceedings Dec. 17 and Dec. 31, 2019
KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 17, 2019
The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Commissioner Wikstrom was absent.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Olson. The pledge to the flag was given.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as amended.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the minutes from the December 3, 2019 County Board meeting as presented.
Meeting with the County Board was Pamala Shaw with the Minnesota Judicial branch. Shaw asked for permission to install a glass barrier with a door along the counter in the Court Administration office. It would be similar to what was recently installed in Social Services. The cost of the project would be $4,910.37 and would be paid for by the State of Minnesota.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the installation of a glass barrier in the Court Administration office with the cost to be paid for by the State of Minnesota.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the payment of the following amounts, with a detailed listing kept on file in the Finance Office:
Auditor’s Warrants
November 18, 2019 $ 243,789.92
December 6, 2019 $ 143,847.10
November 19, 2019 $ 93,067.86
November 27, 2019 $ 74,811.66
November 20, 2019 $ 13,525.46
December 4, 2019 $1,969,085.72
Commissioner’s Warrants
December 20, 2019 $ 118,947.95
Meal Reimbursements: $68.97
Committee reports were given.
Meeting with the County Board was Shirley Swenson, Kittson County Deputy Registrar. Swenson presented a quote for ergonomic desks for the Driver’s License Department. She concluded by discussing the Real ID license and progress on the software replacement for MNLARS.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve a quote of $8,957.38 for ergonomic desks from Hannaher’s of Grand Forks.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve a snowmobile grant between the State of Minnesota and Kittson County in the amount of $10,568.
Meeting with the County Board was Kristi Hultgren, Kittson County Recorder. Hultgren requested an increase in her pay step. Hultgren has been with the County for over 36 years.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve an increase in step for Kristi Hultgren from D61-1 Step 7 to D61-1 Step 12 effective December 15, 2019.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve final payment on project SAP 035-610-015 to Knife River Materials in the amount of $25,681.92.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie and seconded by Commissioner Younggren to adopt the following resolution: #19-38
2020 COUNTY BOARD SALARY
BE IT RESOLVED that the salary for the County Board of Commissioners for the year 2020 shall be $23,100.43.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be published in accordance with Minnesota Statute 375.055.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson and Younggren.
Voting against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie and seconded by Commissioner Younggren to adopt the following resolution: #19-39
2020 ELECTED & APPOINTED SALARY
BE IT RESOLVED that the salaries paid to the elected and appointed officials are hereby established for the period of December 15, 2019 through December 12, 2020 at the following rates:
Eric Christensen, County Administrator $105,750.00
Kristi Hultgren, County Recorder $ 84,614.40
Mark Wilwant, County Sheriff $ 89,024.00
Robert Albrecht, County Attorney $ 40,973.40
Kelly Bengtson, County Engineer $105,748.56
Heather Bruley, County Assessor $ 85,238.40
Kathy Johnson, County Social Services Director $ 92,747.20
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson and Younggren.
Voting against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson and seconded by Commissioner Gillie to adopt the following resolution: #19-40
2020 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY
WHEREAS, Department Administrators presented proposed budgets to the County Board for the year 2020, and
WHEREAS, said proposed budgets have been reviewed by the County Board and amended to a final budget amount for the following funds:
Revenue $ 4,962,896
Road & Bridge $ 6,388,059
Social Services $ 1,561,759
TOTAL $12,912,714
This provides for a tax levy for taxes to be collected in 2020 in the amount of $3,964,113
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the budget for 2020 is hereby approved with the tax levy amount as follows:
Revenue $3,053,864
Road & Bridge $ 843,222
Social Services $ 534,530
TOTAL $4,431,616
Less State Paid Aids $ 467,503
NET LEVY $3,964,113
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the budgets are approved with the provisions that no major capital purchase of $2,000 may be made without first obtaining approval from the County Board or Purchasing Committee.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson and Younggren.
Voting against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adopt the following resolution: #19-41
2020 DITCH LEVIES
BE IT RESOLVED that the Kittson County Board of Commissioners has set the budget and levies for 2020 for the ditches in Kittson County as follows:
County 2020 2020 County 2020 2020
Ditch # Levy Expenses Ditch # Levy Expenses
#1 -0- 1,500 #27 4,500 2,000
#4 5,500 3,000 #28 -0- 1,000
#8 5,000 3,000 #29 2,500 1,000
#9 3,000 2,000 #30 3,500 1,000
#11 300 2,000 #31 5,000 3,000
#12 5,000 1,000 #33 -0- 1,000
#13 3,500 1,000
#14 5,500 4,500 State 2020 2020
#15 1,000 4,500 Ditch # Levy Expenses
#16 -0- 2,000 #1 4,500 3,000
#17 -0- 1,000 #48 3,500 2,000
#18 -0- 2,500 #84 13,500 9,000
#19 17,500 2,000 #85 -0- 3,500
#20 2,800 1,000 #22 2,500 1,000
#23 4,500 2,500
#25 2,500 1,000 Judicial 2020 2020
#26 -0- 1,000 Ditch # Levy Expenses
#31 11,500 8,000
#32 7,000 4,500
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson and Younggren.
Voting against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie and seconded by Commissioner Younggren to adopt the following resolution: #19-42
ADOPTING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATIONS WITHIN THE 2019 BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners adopted the fiscal year 2019 Budget on December 6, 2018; and
WHEREAS, because of unplanned events, the Board of Commissioners of Kittson County have determined that it is necessary to adopt a supplemental budget, establishing the following additional appropriation; and
WHEREAS, the additional requirements were not anticipated at the time of the budget preparation for fiscal year 2019; and
WHEREAS, there is no tax and thus no categorization of a tax involved with this Supplemental Budget;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of Kittson
County hereby adopts the Supplemental Budget for fiscal year 2019 as shown below; and the amounts for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019 shown below are hereby amended as follows:
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
01-092-000-0000-6110 VEBA $ 0.00 $ 11,475.00 $ 11,475.00
01-101-000-0000-6110 VEBA $ 0.00 $ 34,285.00 $ 34,285.00
01-041-000-0000-6110 VEBA $ 0.00 $ 17,908.00 $ 17,908.00
03-336-000-0000-6110 VEBA $ 0.00 $ 8,814.00 $ 8,814.00
Explanation: Retirement severance payments to Roger Malm (092), Marian Paulson & Lynnette Snare (101), Lori Sugden (041), and Kevin Johnson (336). Source of funding for this appropriation is existing unrestricted fund balance.
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
01-057-000-0000-6272 Services $ 21,500.00 $ 71,609.00 $ 93,109.00
Explanation: State Auditor billing for 2015 audit services was budgeted in 2018, but billing to the County was delayed until FY 2019. Source of funding for this appropriation is existing unrestricted fund balance
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
010-092-000-0000-6899 Miscellaneous
Expense $ 3,000 .00 $ 26,475.00 $ 29,475.00
Explanation: Increased legal fees incurred as a result of actions taken by previous Sheriff. Source of funding for this appropriation is existing unrestricted fund balance.
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
01-282-000-0000-6342 Appropriations $ 23,500 .00 $ 62,811.00 $ 86,311.00
Explanation: Purchase of Zuercher data record processing system approved by County Board motion on May 21, 2019 after FY 2019 budget was final. Source of funding for this appropriation is restricted E-9ll fund balance.
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
01-617-000-0000-6906 Appropriations $ 0.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00
Explanation: County Board approved appropriation to North Country Food Bank for capital project by motion on February 5, 2019. Source of funding for this appropriation is existing fund balance assigned for Social Services.
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
11-430-760-0000-6899 Supportive
Healthcare $ 0.00 $31,450.00 $ 31,450.00
Explanation: Payment to Kittson Memorial to help defray costs of services approved by County Board motion on August 20, 2019. Source of funding for this appropriation is existing fund balance assigned for Social Services.
Current Revised
Account Description Appropriation Change Appropriation
11-420-600-0000-6605 Capital Outlay
Over $5,000 $ 10,000.00 $22,913.00 $ 32,913.00
11-430-700-0000-6605 Capital Outlay
Over $5,000 $ 10,000.00 $22,913.00 $ 32,913.00
Explanation: Remodeling project in Social Services approved by County Board motion on March 5, 2019. Source of funding for this appropriation is existing fund balance assigned for Social Services.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson and Younggren.
Voting against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve placing the delinquent garbage bills certified by the cities on the 2020 taxes payable.
Meeting with the County Board was Justin Muller, Kittson County Feedlot Officer. Muller presented the 2020-2021 MPCA County Feedlot Program agreement for board approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the 2020-2021 MPCA County Feedlot Program agreement.
The County’s response letters to questions from the 2019 Truth in Taxation hearing were presented for information.
An award from Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust for Outstanding Loss Ratio for Property and Casualty under 50% for years 2014-2018 was presented for information.
A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve giving non-essential county staff the afternoon of December 24 off.
The Board of Commissioners set the end of fiscal year meeting date as December 30, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
County Administrator Christensen presented information on a recent presidential executive order requiring states and counties to certify in writing their willingness to accept refugees. Christensen explained that aid agencies in the state will likely be coming to counties in the near future requesting they approve accepting refugees. Christensen noted that taking no action or refusing would not prevent refugees from relocating in the County. Once they have been accepted somewhere that had agreed to accept them, they would then be free to relocate wherever they chose. The difference is that the federal assistance would not follow the refugee to Kittson County if the County has not agreed in writing to accept refugees. This could leave the County responsible for the cost of providing social services to the refugees. No action was taken.
The Board adjourned to December 30, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Leon Olson, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST: Eric Christensen, Kittson County Administrator
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KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment on Friday, December 31, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. All members were present.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Olson. The pledge to the flag was given.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wikstrom, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as amended.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Wikstrom and unanimously carried to approve the payment of Commissioner Warrants and Auditor Warrants as follows:
Commissioner’s Warrants
December 31, 2019 $ 43,715.38
Meal Reimbursements $85.07
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve the per diems and expense sheets for December.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wikstrom, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and unanimously carried to approve the following fund transfer from Ditch Fund (15) to the Revenue Fund (01) for loan payments:
Ditch Principal Interest Total
CD #19 $ 9,000 $ 450 $ 9,450 (balance: $19,800 from 2018)
SD #48 $ 6,800 $ 340 $ 7,140 (balance: $-0-)
SD #84 $ 7,000 $ 350 $ 7,350 (balance: $6,400 from 2018)
SD #90 $18,100 $ 905 $ 19,005 (balance: $-0-)
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Wikstrom and unanimously carried to approve a temporary transfer from the Revenue Fund (01) to the Tax Forfeited Fund (23) of $415.26
A motion was made by Commissioner Wikstrom, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve a permanent transfer from the Revenue Fund (01) to the Kittson Health Insurance Fund (23) of $5,326.59.
A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Younggren to adopt the following resolution: #19-43
DESIGNATED POLLING PLACE
WHEREAS, McKinley, North Red River, Klondike, and Peatland Townships are unorganized townships located within the boundaries of Kittson County, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 204B.16 requires each county with precincts in unorganized territory to designate by ordinance or resolution a polling place for each election precinct.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Kittson County Courthouse is hereby designated the official polling place for 2020 for McKinley, North Red River, Klondike, and Peatland Townships.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson, Wikstrom, and Younggren.
Voting against: none.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adopt the following resolution: #19-44
APPROVING KITTSON COUNTY’S APPLICATION FOR FUNDING
FROM THE VOTING EQUIPMENT GRANT
WHEREAS, Minnesota counties are responsible for administering elections, which includes the purchase and maintenance of supplies and election equipment, including accessible voting equipment; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota last updated much of its voting equipment between 2002 and 2006 meaning that the equipment is rapidly approaching the end of its 10 to 15 year lifespan; and
WHEREAS, it’s essential for precincts to have functioning voting equipment so that voters are able to cast their ballot on equipment that is secure, accessible, accurate, and reliable; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota’s 91st Legislature authorized $2 million for the Voting Equipment Grant Account to assist counties, cities, towns, and school districts with the purchase of voting equipment; and
WHEREAS, to receive funding from the Voting Equipment Grant Account, counties must submit an application to the Minnesota Secretary of State before January 31, 2020; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, Kittson County approves its application for funding from the Voting Equipment Grant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County certifies that any funds awarded from the Voting Equipment Grant will be used only to purchase assistive voting technology, an electronic roster system, an electronic voting system, any individual component of an electronic voting system, or any other equipment or technology approved by the Secretary of State.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Olson, Wikstrom, and Younggren.
Voting against: none.
County Administrator Christensen provided an update on Troy Peterson’s planned project to cut up wind turbine blades at a site in Deerwood Township. In attendance was Troy Peterson. Christensen had been notified by Peterson that the option to move the operation to another site was now off the table because it was deemed too expensive. Christensen informed the County Board that they could not make changes to the existing permit or rescind it entirely without going through the same public notification and hearing process as a new application would go through. Christensen also noted that the only legal options available to Peterson would be to either apply for a new permit or request a new hearing of the Zoning Board to amend the existing conditional use permit. Peterson stated that he fully intends to do this the right way. No action was taken.
Commissioner Gillie informed the County Board of a leadership training opportunity in partnership with Pennington and Roseau Counties. The training will involve department heads and those that supervise other employees and will cost the County $1,500 for up to 16 employees to attend.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and carried 3-2 to approve participating in the training with the training being mandatory for those staff identified as department heads or supervisors. Commissioners Johnson and Olson voted against the motion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve terminating the part-time temporary deputy appointments made last summer effective December 31, 2019.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wikstrom, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and unanimously carried to approve hiring the following individuals as part-time permanent deputies at Band and Grade C43-4 effective January 1, 2020:
Troy Brekke Cody Gillund Justin McMahon
William Wagner Ben Kucera Mike Docken
The Board adjourned to January 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
Leon Olson, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST: Eric Christensen, Kittson County Administrator
(January 15, 2020)
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