Todd County Board Proceedings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Todd County Board of Commissioners held on
February 20, 2024
Call to Order
The Todd County Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioner’s Board Room in the City of Long Prairie, MN on the 20th day of February, 2024 at 9:00 AM. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becker. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. All Commissioners were present except Commissioner Byers.
Approval of Agenda
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To adopt the agenda as presented with the addition of item 12.2 Lighting of Cupula for Burnsville Officer Memorial.
Consent Agenda
On motion by Neumann and second by Noska, the following motions were introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
To approve the Todd County Board of Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes for February 6th, 2024 as presented.
To approve a Seasonal On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Birchwood Resort at the address of 22182 Birchwood Loop, Sauk Centre, MN in Birchdale Township effective April 15, 2024 through October 15, 2024.
To approve a one year Dance License for Rebecca L. Pratt dba Clarissa Ballroom at the address of 19281 Kotter Road, Clarissa, MN in Eagle Valley Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a one year On Sale and Off Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for Rebecca L. Pratt dba Clarissa Ballroom at the address of 19281 Kotter Road, Clarissa, MN in Eagle Valley Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a one year Setup License for Rebecca L. Pratt dba Clarissa Ballroom at the address of 19281 Kotter Road, Clarissa, MN in Eagle Valley Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a one year Wine License (including Strong Beer) for Rebecca L. Pratt dba Clarissa Ballroom at the address of 19281 Kotter Road, Clarissa, MN in Eagle Valley Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve an Off Sale, On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for T.J.’s Diamond Point Inc dba Diamond Point Supper Club/Lounge at the address of 12867 Bayview Dr, Sauk Centre, MN in Birchdale Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a Seasonal On Sale, Off Sale and Sunday Liquor License for DT Lisson Inc dba Double Eagle Golf & Grille at the address of 31886 County 3, Eagle Bend, MN in Burleene Township effective April 1st, 2024 through October 31st, 2024.
To approve a one year On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for the Long Prairie Country Club at the address of 406 6th St SE, Long Prairie, MN in Long Prairie Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a Seasonal Off Sale and On Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for Rainbow Lodge at the address of 20576 Banks Trail, Sauk Centre, MN in Kandota Township effective April 15, 2024 through October 15, 2024.
To approve a Setup License for Rainbow Lodge at the address of 20576 Banks Trail, Sauk Centre, MN in Kandota Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a Seasonal On Sale Wine License including strong beer for Donald Panitzke dba Rainbow Lodge at the address of 20576 Banks Trail, Sauk Centre, MN in Kandota Township effective April 15, 2024 through October 15, 2024.
To approve an Off Sale, On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for The Rock Tavern LLC at the address of 11977 County 47, Grey Eagle, MN in Grey Eagle Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve an Off Sale, On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Full O Fun LLC dba Saukinac Campground at the address of 21914 Bay Loop, Sauk Centre, MN in Kandota Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a one year On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Shady’s Golden Eagle at the address of 13218 County 103, Burtrum, MN in Grey Eagle Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a one year Off Sale, On Sale & Sunday Liquor License for the Shadys Midway Inc at the address of 17908 US 71, Long Prairie, MN in Round Prairie Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve an On Sale, Off Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Michael Shattuck dba Shattuck’s Hub Supper Club at the address of 30905 County 13, Burtrum, MN in Burnhamville Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
Auditor-Treasurer
On motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 403040 through 403068 in the amount of $13,401.90 and (Regular) 57739 through 57794 in the amount of $99,285.34 for a total of $112,687.24.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Health & Human Services Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 805011 through 805085 and (Regular) 711555 through 711629 for a total of $135,668.24.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Health & Human Services SSIS Warrants number (ACH) 601170 through 601200 and (Regular) 517701 through 517727 for a total amount of $130,159.66.
Board of Commissioners & SWCD Supervisor Joint Meeting
Chair Becker suspended the current meeting to allow for the Joint Meeting with the SWCD Supervisors to be held at 9:06 a.m.
Separate minutes of the Joint Meeting are attached.
Chair Becker resumed the regular board meeting at 9:38 a.m.
Public Works
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the correction to Board Action 20240206-08 with the change in start date to March 4th, 2024.
An update was provided to the County Board regarding the announcement from the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding a 2026 Federal HSIP Funding Award for Todd County for a 6” Wide Pavement Striping Project in FY2026.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the attached state bid quote from Midwest Machinery for the purchase of a new John Deere 6155M Cab Tractor and Diamond Rotary Mower for $182,446.51.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the purchase of a new equipped plow truck per the attached purchase agreements for $308,981.67.
County Sheriff
On motion by Neumann and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To change the current title from Sheriff’s Office Clerical to Administrative Assistant.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To acknowledge the donations received in 2023 for the Canine Project in the amount of $1,720.00 and Drone Project in the amount of $600.00.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the carry over of the Sheriff’s Office Canine, Contingency and Forfeiture Funds with a total of $66,120.10.
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the carryover of the Sheriff’s Vehicle and Vehicle Equipment Funds with a total of $184,967.83.
Solid Waste
On motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Authorize Solid Waste Director to sign proposal with Widseth for professional services for $17,500.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Authorize Solid Waste Director to sign proposal with Barr for professional services for $14,000.
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To authorize the department to sign the 2024 Step Contract.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To authorize the department to remove aged accounts per the attached list.
Planning & Zoning
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Approval of the General Obligation Note and Resolution in order to receive loan funding through the Clean Water Partnership for a County Septic Loan Program. Full Resolution wording is on file in the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office upon request.
On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To provide authorization of Adam Ossefoort as the Official with Authority to sign documents related to the PLSS Monument Grant application.
On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To remand back the Review of CUP-2020-027 to the Planning Commission for further review of the time period.
On motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To table the request for CUP on parcel 14-0009600.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To adopt the findings of the Planning Commission and grant the rezone of parcels 23-0018700 and 23-0018701 from AF1 to AF2 with the following conditions.
1. All future land uses shall abide by Todd County Planning and Zoning Ordinances.
2. Land owner shall abide by all other applicable federal, state, and local standards
Health & Human Services
On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
A Resolution Establishing Support for Clay County to Request Minnesota Bond Funds for Infrastructure in the Development of a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Clay County
WHEREAS, throughout Minnesota there is inadequate capacity in the continuum of care to support children with high acuity, complex and/or co-occurring conditions that include violent or sexually inappropriate behavior and/or physical health challenges, and;
WHEREAS, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) are a part of this continuum for children and youth under age 21 with complex mental health conditions and aggression, and;
WHEREAS, currently there are four PRTF facilities operational in Minnesota with a total capacity of 166 beds and an additional PRTF set to open soon; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for additional PRTF beds in the State of Minnesota to meet the needs of children with serious and complex mental health needs; and
WHEREAS, the location of PRTF beds must be spread across the state to ensure equal access and proximity to a child’s home community, family, and service providers; and
WHEREAS, Clay County is committed to establishing a PRTF and will partner with an eligible provider in the delivery of PRTF services; and
WHEREAS, Clay County is seeking Minnesota bond funds to aid in land acquisition and building a PRTF;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Todd County Board of Commissioners supports Clay County to request Minnesota bond funds for infrastructure in the development of a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Clay County.
Commissioners
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF ALLOWING THE STATE MANAGEMENT OF THE WOLF POPULATION
WHEREAS, the Todd County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of balanced wildlife management and believes that returning wolf management to the state of Minnesota would enable more effective stewardship of local ecosystems, and;
WHEREAS, The Todd County Board of Commissioners acknowledges the necessity of sustainable wildlife population control measures, including regulated hunting, to maintain ecological equilibrium and safeguard the interests of both humans and wildlife.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners hereby expresses its support for advocating Senator Amy Klobuchar to endorse the removal of wolves from Federal protection, thereby empowering the state of Minnesota to responsibly manage wolf populations and implement a regulated hunting season as deemed appropriate by state wildlife authorities. This resolution is grounded in the belief that localized management strategies are essential for promoting the coexistence of wolves and local communities while ensuring the conservation of Minnesota’s diverse ecosystems for future generations.
On motion by Neumann and second by Noska, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
A RESOLUTION FOR BLUE LIGHTING OF THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE CUPULA FOR THE REMAINDER OF FEBRUARY 2024 IN MEMORIAL TO THE FALLEN BURNSVILLE FIREFIGHTER AND TWO POLICE OFFICERS
WHEREAS, the County Board supports the persons serving in law enforcement and firefighter/paramedic roles in the State of Minnesota, and;
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2024 Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth were killed in the line of duty.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners does hereby authorize the Historic Courthouse Cupula to be displayed with Blue Lighting in memorial to the fallen Burnsville Police Officers and Firefighter/Paramedic for the remainder of the month of February 2024.
County Auditor-Treasurer’s Report
The County Auditor-Treasurer reported that the Presidential Nomination Primary will be held on March 5th, 2024 countywide, preparations for audit continue, will be attending the MACO conference this week and 2024 tax statements are in final preparation steps for release in March.
County Attorney’s Report
The County Attorney had no new information to report.
County Commissioner’s Report
The Commissioners reported on meetings and events attended.
Commissioner Denny missed some meetings due to family health concerns but was able to attend some monthly via zoom meetings.
Commissioner Becker attended the ditch info, solid waste bid opening, TWCC, Personnel, Dept Head, CHB, and Financial Solid Waste group meetings.
Commissioner Noska attended the TCDC and TWCC meetings.
Commissioner Neumann attended the AMC Ditch Conference, Personnel, CPT Personnel, Dept Head, Park Board, Solid Waste, SR 1W1P meetings.
Adjourn
On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the meeting was adjourned for the month of February 2024.
COMMISSIONER WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
BROWERVILLE TRUCKWASH/BIG BOYZ
$2,736.21
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE INC
$4,621.75
INTRADYN
$2,080.00
METAL CULVERTS INC.
$36,407.40
MOMENTUM TRUCK GROUP
$6,134.35
MORRIS ELECTRONICS INC
$10,468.48
NORTHERN STAR COOP
$2,049.07
NOW MICRO INC
$2,075.00
VERTEX UNMANNED SOLUTIONS, LLC
$6,783.00
WHITMORE INC
$2,370.00
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING INC
$6,719.00
74 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$ 30,242.98
Total:
$112,687.24
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
ANDERSON FUNERAL HOME
$3,500.00
DHS - SWIFT
$2,843.14
FRESHWATER EDUCATION DISTRICT 6004
$17,613.00
NOW MICRO INC
$9,882.60
PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC
$ 3,776.99
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE - UPPER MIDWEST
$3,720.00
RURAL MN CEP INC
$15,401.45
STAR BANK
$4,050.00
VILLAGE CAPITAL & INVESTMENT LLC
$5,005.59
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE
$ 2,005.92
140 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$67,869.55
Total:
$135,668.24
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
# 16704 $6,705.30
# 16095 $ 3,249.10
# 17324 $ 6,959.19
HEARTLAND GIRLS RANCH
$ 31,024.80
HOLISTIC FAMILY EDUCATION SRVS
$ 4,079.65
LITTLE SAND GROUP HOME
$11,351.58
# 17183
$ 2,308.98
STEP
$7,786.44
VALLEY LAKE BOYS HOME INC
$14,820.00
VILLAGE RANCH INC
$4,845.61
25 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$37,029.01
Total:
$130,159.66
On a motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the preceding minutes of the County Board meeting held February 20th, 2024 were duly approved by unanimous vote at the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Regular Board Meeting held on March 5th, 2024.
Witness my hand and seal:
/s/ on file
Barbara Becker, County Board Chairperson
/s/ on file
Denise Gaida, Todd County Auditor-Treasurer
M20C
o o o

Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Todd County Board of Commissioners and Todd County SWCD Supervisors held on February 20th, 2024
Call to Order
The Todd County Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioner’s Board Room in the City of Long Prairie, MN on the 20th day of February, 2024 with all Board of Commissioner members present except Byers and SWCD Supervisors, James, Wendel, Katterhagen & Williamson present and SWCD Supervisor Buchholz absent.
On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To call the joint meeting to order.
On motion by Katterhagen and second by Williamson, the following was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To call the joint meeting to order.
Approval of Agenda
On motion by Williamson and second by James, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the agenda as presented with the removal of item #4 Approval of Todd SWCD 2023 Annual Report.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the agenda as presented with the removal of item #4 Approval of Todd SWCD 2023 Annual Report.
SWCD Presentation
Deja Anton, District Manager presented the following information for general knowledge and discussion between the board members:
•2023 Highlights and Accomplishments
•Employee Updates
•Agricultural Analysis
•Budget
General Discussion
The Todd County Annual Feedlot Meeting & Farmer Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Hub Supper Club from 10am-2pm for those interested in attending.
Adjourn
On motion by James and second by Katterhagen, the SWCD Board adjourned the joint meeting by unanimous vote.
On motion by Noska and second by Neumann, the Todd County Board of Commissioners adjourned the joint meeting by unanimous vote.
On a motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the preceding minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Todd County Board of Commissioners and Todd County SWCD Supervisors meeting held February 20th, 2024 were duly approved by unanimous vote at the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Regular Board Meeting held on March 5th, 2024.
Witness my hand and seal:
/s/ on file
Barbara Becker, County Board Chairperson
/s/ on file
Denise Gaida, Todd County Auditor-Treasurer
M20C
o o o