KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS February 6, 2024 and April 2, 2024

KITTSON COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS
February 6, 2024

The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment on February 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Younggren. The pledge to the flag was given.
An addition to the agenda was presented by Commissioner Gillie: discuss joining Northern Counties, formerly Northern Counties Land Use Board (NCLUB). County Administrator Aimee Sugden also presented an addition to the agenda: approve a gambling contract for the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC). A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and unanimously carried to approve the agenda with the additions. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to approve the Board minutes from the January 16, 2024, Board meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Swenson and seconded by Commissioner Gillie and unanimously carried to approve the Board minutes from the January 30,2024 special meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Olson, and unanimously carried to approve the Bills and Meal Reimbursements.
Commissioner’s $166,089.29 Meal Reimbursements $150.17
Commissioner Gillie motioned to approve expense sheets, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik. The motion carried unanimously.
Chairperson Younggren $330.00 Commissioner Swenson $180.00
Commissioner Olson $360.00
Commissioner Kraulik $120.00
Carrie Gjerde, Kittson County Child Support Officer, presented for approval a cooperative agreement between Kittson County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as a cooperative agreement between Kittson County, DHS, the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office (KSO) and Brink Lawyers. These agreements are renewed every two years. Commissioner Olson motioned to approve the renewal of the cooperative agreements, seconded by Commissioner Gillie, and approved unanimously.
Shirley Swenson, Kittson County CFO, presented the 2024 Kittson County Ambulance Agreement in the amount of $18,078.00 for approval. Commissioner Gillie motioned to approve the agreement, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik. The motion carried unanimously.
Swenson then presented a contract with Dakota Fire Protection, Inc. for the 2024 sprinkler inspection with an annual fee of $450.00 and backflow tests at $125.00 per test. Commissioner Swenson moved to approve the contract, seconded by Commissioner Olson. The motion carried unanimously.
Swenson presented the Statewide Affordable Housing Aid program, where the Minnesota Department of Revenue helps counties develop and preserve affordable housing within their jurisdiction. Kittson County received $80,000 for this grant. Discussions were had about where those funds would be allocated.
Swenson then presented for approval a contract to move from Tyler Technology to Tyler Technology under Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MnCCC) in the amount of $50,395.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie to approve the contract, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and approved unanimously. Motion carried.
Swenson requested approval to hire Emily Bowman as a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) License Service Specialist. Bowman would start February 19, 2024 as Band 22-1 at $22.38 hourly. Commissioner Gillie motioned to approve the hiring, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and carried unanimously.
Swenson presented for discussion a request from Hunters for Hunters to adopt a resolution which would create an official county board stance on wolves being removed from Federal protection and wolf management and hunting season being reintroduced to the state of Minnesota, where a letter would be sent to Senator Amy Klobuchar to request her support. Discussion was had about implementing guidelines for requested resolutions and proclamations. A motion to table was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and carried unanimously.
Andrea Weleski, Kittson County Engineer, presented for approval an Operation and Maintenance Plan from North Red River Dike. Commissioner Swenson motioned to approve the plan, seconded by Commissioner Olson and carried unanimously.
Weleski then requested approval for advertising for bids on Maintenance Contracts for regravel, striping, aggregate production, mowing, crack filling and crushing. Commissioner Olson moved to approve the advertisements, seconded by Commissioner Gillie. Motion carried unanimously.
Weleski presented Resolution 24-04, Kittson County Road Restrictions, for approval. Commissioner Swenson motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and carried unanimously.
Weleski then requested approval for purchase of a semi-truck from Fargo-Moorhead Truck Sales. The department’s budget allows for $262,000 in vehicles, with $71,000 in reserves for any overages. The 2016 Freightliner truck will cost $37,525 and will be purchased with reserve monies. Commissioner Gillie moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Swenson. The motion carried unanimously.
Weleski presented Resolution 24-05, Bridge Priority, for approval. Commissioner Gillie motioned to approve the Resolution, seconded by Commissioner Olson and carried unanimously.
Weleski then presented a quote for $115,636.52 from TrueNorth Steel for culvert purchases. Commissioner Olson motioned to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Swenson. The motion carried unanimously.
Weleski then brought forward for discussion Local Options Sales Tax. A study and subsequent report can be compiled by the Extension Office to show what profit the Local Options Sales Tax would provide for $3,000. Discussion was had concerning the impact on the local economy. Commissioner Gillie made the motion to begin the study, with more discussion on where the funds for the study would come from. Commissioner Swenson seconded the motion, which then carried unanimously.
Weleski presented bids for a new snowplow truck, noting that prices have increased drastically, with a 32% increase in the trucks and 45% increase in snow equipment since 2021. The department’s budget allows for $262,0000 per truck, with $71,000 in reserves for any overage. Bert’s quoted snow equipment at $149,474 and Fargo Freightliner quoted $143,350 for the truck, totaling $297,809. This purchase would include a 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Two trucks currently owned by the county would be auctioned off, with the proceeds being deposited back into the reserve account. Commissioner Gillie made a motion to approve the purchase, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik. The motion carried unanimously.
Weleski then presented updates to the Commissioners. The allotment for aid increased 17% for 2024. Construction plans for 2024 were discussed.
Commissioner Gillie presented on NCLUB, a group of counties north of the I94 corridor. NCLUB offered one free year membership for Kittson County. Yearly membership is $2,000. Monthly meetings are held to discuss various land and tax issues. Commissioner Olson moved to approve for the trial year, seconded by Commissioner Swenson. Motion carried unanimously.
CFO Swenson presented for approval an Application for Exempt Permit for UMC, where county approval for gambling premises located in a township is acknowledged. Commissioner Olson moved to approve the application. Commissioner Kraulik seconded the motion, which then passed unanimously.
Committee reports were given by Commissioner Gillie, including presentation of a new chairman for Alluma and discussions regarding new programs coming out. Gillie also noted she attended the meeting regarding street projects in Hallock. Commissioner Swenson and Chairman Younggren reported on the Economic Development Association (EDA) meeting, where a loan for Little House on Central, LLC was approved. Chairman Younggren also attended a meeting with the Northwest Regional Library Board, where the resignation of the Administrator/CEO was accepted. The position has not been filled. Younggren also had a meeting with RWI Wind Energy where a petition is being circulated for building wind turbines near Donaldson.
Commissioner Gillie made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Swenson. Motion carried.
Loren Younggren,
Kittson County Board Chair
ATTEST: Shirley Swenson,
Kittson County CFO
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KITTSON COUNTY BOARD
PROCEEDINGS
April 2, 2024

The Kittson County Board of Commissioners met, pursuant to adjournment on April 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Younggren. The pledge to the flag was given.
Some additions to the agenda were presented by Commissioner Kraulik: Add Kittson Soil and Water. A motion was made by Commissioner Swenson, seconded by Commissioner Gillie to include the addition. A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and unanimously carried to approve the agenda with the additions. Motion carried.
The meeting was opened for public comment. No comments were made.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gillie, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and unanimously carried to approve the Board minutes from the March 19, 2024, Board meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Swenson, seconded by Commissioner Olson, and unanimously carried to approve the Bills and Meal Reimbursements.
Commissioner’s $238,619.79 Auditor’s
02/27/2024 $47,258.09
02/27/2024 $48,277.49
03/22/2024 $124,543.98
03/25/2024 $221.75 03/25/2024 $1,250.00
03/26/2024 $2.01
Meal Reimbursements $108.85
Commissioner Olson moved to approve Expense Sheets and Per Diems, seconded by Commissioner Swenson. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Gillie $360.00
Commissioner Swenson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Olson. Motion carried.
Jeffrey Hane, Brink Lawyers, appeared before the Board to speak on the merger of North Kittson Rural Water System and Kittson-Marshall Rural Water System. Hane presented for approval Resolution 24-14:
APPROVING TRANSFER OF LAND TO KITTSON MARSHALL WATER
RESOLUTION 2024-14
WHEREAS, on April 19, 2023, the Kittson County District Court did approve the merger of North Kittson Rural Water System and Kittson-Marshall Rural Water System; and
WHEREAS, Kittson-Marshall Rural Water System is a judicially created rural water system crossing county boundaries established under Minnesota Statute 116A; and
WHEREAS, North Kittson Rural Water System is contained wholly within Kittson County and was created by the Kittson County Board under Minnesota Statute 1l6A.0l; and
WHEREAS, the Plan of Merger approved by the Court indicates that both entities would transfer to the new entity all of their assets; and
WHEREAS, because the new entity is a rural water system extending into more than one county as allowed by Minnesota Statute 1l6A.01, Subd. 3, the new entity shall hold its land separately from Kittson County;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to the Court Order of Merger and the Plan of Merger combining North Kittson Rural Water System and Kittson-Marshall Rural Water System, Kittson County should deed unto the new combined entity, Kittson Marshall Water, the real estate used by North Kittson Rural Water for the operation of its water system, which land is more particularly described on the proposed deed attached to this Resolution.
Commissioner Gillie moved to approve the Resolution, seconded by Commissioner Olson and carried unanimously.
Wayne Jacobson, Kittson County Veteran’s Service Office, appeared before the Board to present information regarding the County’s Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van. A total of 15,405.5 miles have been driven since March of 2023, with a total of 472 hours of donated time from Shawn Anderson and David Lindegard.
Sky Olsonawski, Kittson Soil and Water, presented the yearly feedlot review received by KWSCD. A motion was made to accept the County Feedlot Annual Report by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and carried unanimously.
Kathy Johnson, Social Services Director, presented for approval two UCARE re-contracts for approval: one Delegation Agreement for Care Coordination and one Provider Participation in case management, where payment is received for services rendered by the Social Services department. Commissioner Gillie moved to approve both contracts, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and carried unanimously.
Johnson then presented the NWCAP Car Repair Program, where $15,000 was granted for Kittson County Residents.
Beth Seed, Social Services Eligibility Supervisor, presented the Social Services Income Maintenance Case Report to the Board, noting that cases continue to rise within the department. Seed also provided information on Emergency General Assistance Programs. Seed requested an adjustment to the current policy of emergency propane allotments to increase the amount payable from 70 gallons or $250 to 150 gallons, or $600 due to constraints with the vendor companies and minimum order sizes. Seed notes that requests for assistance in 2024 have been unprecedented second to cost of living and decrease in Energy Assistance Programs. Commissioner Gillie motioned to approve the adjustment, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and carried unanimously.
Seed then presented information on the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, then requested the Board allocate $20,000 of the statewide housing aid that has been received to the ERA program. Applicants must meet several requirements before receiving assistance, and all monies are paid directly to the applicant’s landlord. The maximum assistance in a calendar year for an applicant is $2,500 with a maximum of two consecutive months. Commissioner Gillie moved to approve the allocation, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik. Motion carried.
Johnson presented an overview of the divisions within the Social Services Department as well as statistics pertaining to caseload and program areas.
Johnson then requested an addition to the agenda: request from Clay County for the Board’s support in constructing a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility. The nearest treatment facility currently is over five hours from Kittson County. Commissioner Gillie moved to add the item to agenda, seconded by Commissioner Olson. Commissioner Gillie then moved to provide the letter of support to Clay County, seconded by Commissioner Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Keith Klegstad, Kittson County Assistant Engineer, appeared before the Board. Klegstad requested approval of bid for CP 35-24-100, County-Wide Regravel from Thygeson Construction, Inc. for $276,588.21. Commissioner Olson moved to accept the bid, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and carried unanimously.
Klegstad then requested approval of bid for CP 35-24-300, Roadside Mowing for zones 1, 2, and 3 from River Valley Farms LLC for $59,208.57 and Roadside Mowing for zones 4, 6, 7, and 8 from Olson Farms for $57,355.25. Commissioner Gillie moved to accept the bids, seconded by Commissioner Swenson and carried unanimously.
Klegstad then requested approval of bid for CP 35-24-400, Striping from Sir Lines-A-Lot, Inc. for $88,478.02. Commissioner Swenson moved to accept the bid, seconded by Commissioner Olson and carried unanimously.
Klegstad then requested approval for in-house advertising for Maintenance Man III, Motor Grader – Route 107 (Hallock). Commissioner Olson moved to approve the request, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik and carried unanimously.
Klegstad then presented information on a Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) Grant received in the amount of $50,678.00 for Poppleton Township for a paved overlay on T-238 over Bridge 97625. Staff will begin to produce a plan for the project to submit to the State for approval.
Kittson County Administrator Aimee Sugden presented American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Contract, and Local 49 Contracts for approval. Commissioner Olson moved to approve the contracts, seconded by Commissioner Gillie and carried unanimously.
Sugden then requested approval for out-of-class work wages regarding Kittson County Assistant Engineer Keith Klegstad. Beginning April 1, 2024, and extending three months after an Engineer is hired, Klegstad would receive an additional $10 hourly for duties relating to the Engineer position. Commissioner Swenson moved to approve the request. Commissioner Gillie seconded the motion, which then carried unanimously.
Sugden presented additional information regarding the Courthouse Capital Improvement plan, including a quote for approximately $120,000 for temporary fixes to minimize the chance of the system failing due to the of delaying the project. These risks include catastrophic damage to the building due to HVAC irregularities, which would potentially be avoided by projects including installing additional lining to existing pipes and configuration to isolate certain areas of the building so services could be shut off in that area in cases of leaking or damages.
Current quotes from Johnson Controls expire on April 2, 2024. It is anticipated that any new quotes will be drastically higher due to inflation and material costs. A fee is also owed to Johnson Controls for non-acceptance of the current project contract in the amount of $95,000.
The circulated petition forces the project to be voted on at the November election. If the Board were to accept the quote and the project vote does not pass, the Capital Improvement expenses would need to be levied by the County. This would force a higher interest rate and shorter-term bond, increasing property tax payments substantially more than initially projected.
Commissioner Swenson made a motion to not approve the contract, seconded by Commissioner Kraulik. Commissioner Gillie opposed the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Olson noted a recent Letter to the Editor published in the Kittson County Enterprise, reiterating that the public is encouraged to approach their Commissioners regarding questions and concerns with any concerns within the County.
Shirley Swenson, Kittson County Chief Financial Officer, presented Resolution 24-15 for approval:
ADOPTION OF THE KITTSON COUNTY ALL-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
WHEREAS, Kittson County has participated in the hazard mitigation planning process as established under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and
WHEREAS, the Act establishes a framework for the development of a County Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Act as part of the planning process requires public involvement and local coordination among neighboring local units of government and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Kittson County Plan includes a risk assessment including past hazards, hazards that threaten the County, an estimate of structures at risk, a general description of land uses and development trends; and
WHEREAS the Kittson County Plan includes a mitigation strategy including goals and objectives and an action plan identifying specific mitigation projects and costs; and
WHEREAS, the Kittson County Plan includes a maintenance or implementation process including plan updates, integration of the plan into other planning documents and how Kittson County will maintain public participation and coordination; and
WHEREAS, the Plan has been shared with the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review and comment; and
WHEREAS the Kittson County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan will make the county and participating jurisdictions eligible to receive FEMA hazard mitigation assistance grants; and
WHEREAS, this is a multi-jurisdictional Plan and cities that participated in the planning process may choose to also adopt the County Plan.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Kittson County supports the hazard mitigation planning effort and wishes to adopt the Kittson County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Swenson, and carried unanimously to approve the resolution.
Swenson then requested approval to appoint Steve Levenhagen and Taryn Mortenson to the Kittson County Extension Committee. Commissioner Gillie moved to approve, seconded by Commissioner Olson and carried unanimously.
Swenson presented Resolution 24-13 for approval:
2024 LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL
BE IT RESOLVED by the Kittson County Board of Commissioners that the following on-sale liquor licenses are hereby approved for the period from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025, and approval of said licenses by the Minnesota Liquor Control Director is recommended:
Wagon Wheel Ridge
Commissioner Gillie moved to accept the Resolution, seconded by Commissioner Swenson. Commissioner Kraulik abstained. Motion carried.
Swenson then presented an update on the County’s 2024 Property Tax Statements. Statements were mailed by March 31, 2024, and should arrive in early April. Swenson also noted that Taxpayer Services and Payroll will be closed April 23-26th for training.
Commissioner Gillie presented information regarding attending the State Legislature to discuss a drafted proposal for revenue-based property taxes for utility companies within Minnesota. Gillie noted that this would potentially lead to companies decreasing revenues within Minnesota to avoid paying property taxes, which would then transfer to all taxpayers within Kittson County.
Commissioner Gillie then gave Committee Reports, where she spoke at the State Legislature on behalf of the City of Kennedy for improvements to their water tank to ensure they would have a reliable water source. Gillie also attended the Leadership Summit with Administrator Sugden. Commissioner Olson attended a meeting on the Juneberry project. Chairperson Younggren attended an Opioid Task Force meeting, where different options for promoting abstaining from opioids using older students to influence the younger students to make safe choices.
Younggren also mentioned the Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit at the Kittson County Museum in Lake Bronson. The exhibit runs April 3-23 and features artists from Kittson, Marshall, Normal, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls counties.
Commissioner Olson motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Gillie. Meeting adjourned.
Loren Younggren,
Kittson County Board Chair
ATTEST: Shirley Swenson,
Kittson County CFO
(April 24, 2024)
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