KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS August 17 and August 24, 2021

KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS
August 17, 2021
The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 9 a.m. The following members were present; Commissioners Gillie, Younggren, Kraulik, Olson and Interim County Administrator Marilyn Gustafson. Commissioner Johnson was absent.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Gillie, the pledge to the flag was given.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to approve the agenda.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Olson and unanimously carried to approve the meeting minutes from August 3, 2021.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to hire Marilyn Gustafson on a part-time basis as Interim County Administrator, effective August 16, 2021 and continuing until a new County Administrator begins employment, at a rate of $50 per hour.
Charlie Lindberg, Northwest Regional Library board member who represents Kittson County presented the 2022 budget and appropriation requests. Lindberg requested a 2% increase of $1,350 for a total of $68,850 for 2022. No Action was taken. The board thanked her for her service on the Regional Library Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Olson and unanimously carried to approve meal reimbursements and payment of the following amounts with a detailed listing maintained on file in the Finance Office.
Auditor’s Warrants
July 30, 2021 $ 5,908.72
Commissioner’s Warrants
August 20, 2021 $ 147,074.89
A motion was made by Commissioner Kraulik, seconded by Commissioner Olson and unanimously carried to approve per diems and expense sheets.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to approve resolution: #21-29
2021 County Board Approval of Tax Forfeited Lands
WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners of Kittson County, State of Minnesota, desires to offer for sale certain parcels of land that have forfeited to the State of Minnesota for nonpayment of taxes, and
WHEREAS, said parcels of land have been viewed by the County Board of Commissioners and have been classified as non-conservation lands as provided for in Minnesota Statute 282.01.
WHEREAS, that any individual who has delinquent property taxes on any other property in their name is prohibited from bidding on any tax forfeit property. In addition, an individual prohibited from bidding because they have delinquent taxes may not use another person to bid on the property for them.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Kittson County Board of Commissioners hereby certify that all parcels of land on the attached list have been viewed and comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 85.012, 92.461, 282.01 Subd. 8, and 272, and any other statutes that require the withholding of tax forfeited lands from sale.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Kittson County Board of Commissioners hereby request approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for sale of said lands as follows:
(attached list of lands available in Tax Services office)
Voting in favor: Gillie, Kraulik, Olson, and Younggren. Voting against: None.
Jeremy Benson, Soil and Water Conservation District Technician met with the County Board to discuss enforcement procedures for a landowner who has failed to take the corrective action as set forth in the corrective actions notice for his buffer violation. The Board agreed to table and action for one month while Commissioners endavour to personally discuss with the landowner options available and penalties for noncompliance.
H2Over Viewers staff have been appointed to complete the redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 8. As a result of a turnover within the organization they have requested to appoint a new viewer to replace one the individuals previously appointed. A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to authorize appointment of a new viewer to assist with the redetermination of County Ditch 8.
Committee Reports were given.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to set a special meeting date of August 24, 2021 at 1 p.m. to conduct interviews for the County Administrator position.
Kathy Johnson, Social Services Director presented the Cash Assistance and SNAP Timeliness Measures Report for 2020. Johnson also presented a letter of resignation and retirement from Trina Bengtson, effective September 7, 2021. A motion was made by Commissioner Kraulik, seconded by Commissioner Olson and unanimously carried to accept the letter of resignation from Trina Bengtson with regret and wish her well in her retirement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve the request to purchase twenty-two, 27” LED monitors for the Social Services Department.
Meeting with the County Board was Shirley Swenson, Financial Officer to discuss and present managed IT Services. The staff have solicited and reviewed a number of quotes and options for consideration. A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and unanimously carried to accept the proposal from Marco in the amount of $51,066 for a three year contract.
The technology request was tabled.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kraulik, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to approve the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Monthly Report for August.
Meeting with the County Board were Ryan Davies representing Ziegler CAT and Jared Harshman representing John Deere to present quotes for a new motor grader. Also present were County Engineer Andrea Weleski and Assistant County Engineer Keith Klegstad. Davies and Harshman presented the following quotes for a motor grader.
Ziegler CAT
Cat 150 Motor Grader $343,629.00
Less Trade In -$ 85,500.00
$258,129.00
John Deere
John Deere 770 G $357,444.00
Less Trade in – $83,000.00
$274,444.00
No action was taken at this time.
The following quotes were presented by County Engineer Andrea Weleski for one plow truck.
International
2023 International HV513
Tandem 430HP $221,779.44
Less Trade In – $8,000.00
Warranty 7 Yyears $10,800.00
$224,579.44
Freightliner
2022 Freightliner 114SD
410 HP $223,460.00
Less Trade In -$10,000.00
Warranty 7 Years $7,565.00
Mack
2023 Mack GR64FR
395 HP $225,535.00
Less Trade In – $16,000.00
Warranty 7 Years $9,182.00
$218,717.00
No Action was taken at this time.
Engineer Andrea Weleski presented a Dust Control Policy for consideration. Weleski explained that this program will be covered entirely by the land owner requesting the application.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to adopt the dust control policy as presented.
Pursuant to published notice bids were received for project SAP 035-606-024, Bridge Replacement over the North Branch of the Two Rivers, west of the City of Lancaster and read as follows:
Robert R Schroeder Const.
$1,225,661.06
Swingen Construction Co.
$1,376,107.00
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Younggren and unanimously carried to accept the low bid of $1,225,661.06 from Robert R Schroeder for project SAP 035-606-024.
The Budget Committee will meet August 25 & 31 to review department budgets for 2022. Commissioners Gillie and Younggren, Financial Officer Shirley Swenson and Interim County Administrator will serve on the committee.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
The Board adjourned to August 24, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. to interview candidates for the County Administrator position.
Theresia Gillie,
Kittson County Board Chair
ATTEST: Marilyn Gustafson,
Kittson County Interim Administrator
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KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS
August 24, 2021

The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in a Special Meeting to interview candidates for the County Administrator position. All members were present. Also attending the meeting was Gary Weiers, Management Consultant with DDA Human Resources, Inc.
The candidates were interviewed for the position.
The board discussed the candidates and their interviews along with the Department Head’s comments and recommendations. After a lengthy discussion a motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Olson to offer the position to Brian Buhmann and authorize Commissioners Olson and Johnson to negotiate an employment agreement with Buhmann.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Johnson, Olson, and Kraulik.
Voting against: Commissioners Younggren and Gillie.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
The Board adjourned to September 7, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Theresia Gillie,
Kittson County Board Chair
ATTEST: Marilyn Gustafson,
Interim-Kittson County Administrator
(September 15, 2021)
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