KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS November 16, 2021

KITTSON COUNTY BOARD
PROCEEDINGS
November 16, 2021
The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 9 a.m. The following members were present; Commissioners Gillie, Younggren, Kraulik, Olson, Johnson and County Administrator Brian Buhmann.
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 Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the agenda with the addition.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to approve the meeting minutes from November 2 2021.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Olson and passed unanimously to approve the bills and meal reimbursements with a detailed listing maintained on file in the Finance Office.
Auditor’s Warrants
April 4, 2021 $ 2,292.31
October 29, 2021 $ 226,805.83
November 5, 2021 $ 213,543.73
Commissioner’s Warrants
November 19, 2021 $ 88,923.21
Meeting with the County Board was County Veteran Services Officer Wayne Jacobson who shared a thank you letter and newsletter from the Middle River Veteran’s Outdoors. The Commissioners individually donated in remembrance of Bob Cameron to this Veteran’s group.
County Highway Engineer Andrea Weleski presented final bills for projects SAP 035-614-012 to Agassiz Gravel for $16,648.24 County Road 14 near Karlstad and SAP 035-0601-036 to Davidson Ready Mix for $26,622.04 box culvert replacement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Johnson and passed unanimously to approve the final payment on SAP 035-614-012.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kraulik and seconded by Commissioner Olson and passed unanimously to approve the final payment on SAP 035-0601-03
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Olson and passed unanimously to approve Resolution #21-33 allowing the electronic signature for the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Kittson County Trailblazers.
Kittson County Trailblazers
BE IT RESOLVED that the Kittson County Board of Commissioners agree to act as the legal sponsor for funding to the state of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for Kittson County Trailblazers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Kittson County will comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and conditions as stated in the agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Kittson County Board of Commissioners hereby agrees to serve as the fiscal agent for the Kittson County Trailblazers and authorizes the assignee to sign all related documents on behalf of Kittson County.
This resolution shall be carried forward unless rescinded by this Board for a period of five years.
Voting in Favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Kraulik, Olson, and Younggren
Voting Against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Johnson and passed unanimously to approve Resolution #21-34
Supporting the Telecommuting Opportunities and Telecommuter Forward Certification.
Resolution in Support of Telecommuting Opportunities and Telecommuter Forward Certification
WHEREAS, Kittson County supports and commits to promote the availability of telecommuting options;
WHEREAS, Kittson County hereby appoints Administrator Buhmann as the single point of contact for coordinating telecommuting opportunities within Kittson County including the following responsibilities:
1. Coordination and partnership with broadband providers, realtors, economic development professionals, employers, employees, and other telecommuting stakeholders.
2. Collaboration with broadband providers and employers to identify, develop, and market telecommuter-capable broadband packages.
3. Communication and partnership with broadband providers and economic development professionals to develop common goals.
4. Promotion of telecommuter-friendly workspaces, such as business incubators with telecommuting spaces, if such a workspace has been established in the political subdivision at the time the political subdivision adopts the resolution.
5. Familiarity with broadband mapping tools and other state-level resources.
6. Maintain regular communication with state broadband office.
7. Making regular reports to the Kittson County Commissioner Board.
Now, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED BY the Kittson County Board of Commissioners agree to support the telecommuting opportunities in Kittson County in its application for Telecommuter Forward! Community certification.
Voting in Favor: Commissioners Gillie, Johnson, Kraulik, Olson, and Younggren
Voting Against: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Johnson and passed unanimously to set the final Kittson County Commissioner meeting for December 29, 2021 at 9 a.m.
At 9:30 a.m. a motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and passed unanimously to close the Board meeting per MN Statutes 13D.03 to discuss labor strategy with our labor attorney.
At 10:10 a.m. a motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and passed unanimously to open the closed session. Administrator Buhmann provided a brief description of the Commissioners meeting with Joss Heggem, Pemberton Law Firm on strategy for the negotiations with AFSCME 65 bargaining unit.
At 10:12 a motion was made by Commissioner Younggren and seconded by Commissioner Johnson and passed unanimously to close the Board meeting per Minnesota Statutes 13D.05 to evaluate performance of an individual who is subject to Board authority- Cory Rich.
At 10:29 a.m. a motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and passed unanimously to open the closed session. Administrator Buhmann provided a brief description of the closed session that Sheriff Wilwant was present during the closed and will be returning at a later meeting date with more information for the Commissioners.
Administrator Buhmann provided updates on the Noyes Property auction scheduled for December 2, 2021 and on Tyler technologies project in the financial/payroll units.
Board Committee reports were given.
A motion was made by Commissioner Younggren, seconded by Commissioner Olson and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:39 a.m.
Theresia Gillie,
Kittson County Board Chair
ATTEST: Brian E. Buhmann,
Kittson County Administrator
(December 22, 2021)
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