Todd County Board Proceedings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Todd County Board of
Commissioners held on
March 5th, 2024
Public Comment
Jessie Sogge provided points of consideration relating to the Todd County Commissioner’s role and the elements provided by statute regarding the proposed issuing of a CUP to Dairyridge.
Matthew Holt provided input for consideration relating to the Dairyridge CUP regarding a water permit requirement and addition of a township road to alleviate traffic concerns.
David Becker expressed concerns regarding the impact if there was no water in the aquifer for the future due to the proposed Dairyridge CUP.
Cary Hudalla expressed concerns regarding the future of ag prices and potential effect on the proposed Dairyridge project and its sustainability.
Jack Rohr expressed concerns about water levels for the future of the B1 aquifer and need for determination of the definite map of area of this aquifer.
Don Wienhold expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of the B1 aquifer and monitoring requirements.
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 5th day of March, 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.
Approval of Agenda
On motion by Noska and second by Byers, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To adopt the agenda as presented with the removal of item 8.1 Approval to Hire Additional Legal Assistant – County Attorney and 9.2 Hire an additional Full Time Court Security staff.
Consent Agenda
On motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the following motions and resolutions were introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
To approve the Todd County Board of Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes and Joint County/SWCD Meeting Minutes for February 20th, 2024 as presented.
To approve a one year On Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Sauk Centre Country Club dba Greystone Golf Club at the address of 10548 Andrews Drive, Sauk Centre, MN in Kandota Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve an Off Sale and On Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for TMF Resort Inc dba Head of the Lakes Resort at the address of 15080 Gardenia Drive, Osakis, MN in Leslie Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve a Setup License for TMF Resort Inc dba Head of the Lakes Resort at the address of 15080 Gardenia Drive, Osakis, MN in Leslie Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
To approve an On Sale Wine License including strong beer for TMF Resort Inc dba Head of the Lakes Resort at the address of 15080 Gardenia Drive, Osakis, MN in Leslie Township effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
GAMBLING PERMIT – CENTRAL MINNESOTA WHITETAILS
WHEREAS, the Todd County Board of Commissioners are establishing their approval for a Gambling Permit for the Central Minnesota Whitetails through this resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners approve a Gambling Permit for the Central Minnesota Whitetails to hold a raffle event at Clarissa Ballroom in Eagle Valley Township at the address 19281 Kotter Rd, Clarissa, MN on April 6th, 2024.
GAMBLING PERMIT – LITTLE BIRCH LAKE ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the Todd County Board of Commissioners are establishing their approval for a Gambling Permit for the Little Birch Lake Association through this resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners approve a Gambling Permit for the Little Birch Lake Association to hold a raffle event at Shattuck’s Hub Supper Club in Burnhamville Township at the address 30905 County 13, Burtrum, MN on September 14th, 2024.
To hire Bo Garthus for the Full Time Deputy position, start date TBD, Starting pay will be $28.48 Grade 10 step 1.
Approve the resignation of Child Services Social Worker Angela Hopkins, effective March 1st, 2024.
To approve the hire of Adriana Smieja to fill the Accounting Specialist position, Grade 6, Step 1 at $22.22/hour. Start date: TBD
To approve the hire of Seth Buschke to fill the Eligibility Worker position. Grade 6, Step 1 at $22.22. Start date: 3/6/2024.
Auditor-Treasurer
On motion by Neumann and second by Byers, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the February 2024 Auditor Warrants number (ACH) 903888 through 903966 in the amount of $1,403,134.25 (Manual) 930 through 938 in the amount of $67,027.72 and (Regular) 242255 through 242355 in the amount of $651,594.33 for a total of $2,121,756.30.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 403069 through 403094 in the amount of $12,830.29 and (Regular) 57795 through 57836 in the amount of $44,834.35 for a total of $57,664.64.
On motion by Byers 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) 805086 through 805122 and (Regular) 711630 through 711692 for a total of $55,264.28.
On motion by Neumann 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) 601201 through 601202 and (Regular) 517728 through 517740 for a total amount of $95,117.83.
On motion by Byers and second by Denny, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
APPROVAL OF ALL COUNTY DEPARTMENTAL CHANGE & PETTY CASH FUNDS
WHEREAS, there are multiple petty cash & change funds in various departments across the county, and;
WHEREAS, State Auditing Standards & Statutes require board approval when modifications are requested and to annually confirm/reaffirm all county departmental change & petty cash funds,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, to approve the petty cash & change funds for the various departments for immediate implementation as per the attached list to be filed in the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office.
On motion by Neumann and second by Byers, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
2024 PARKS AND TRAILS APPROPRIATION FUNDS TRANSFER
WHEREAS, the 2024 budget for Todd County’s allocation of funds to the Todd County Parks and Trails Board has been approved at $9,000; and
WHEREAS, a letter was received from the Todd County Parks and Trails Board requesting for the appropriation of funds from the General Fund for 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners hereby approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $9,000 from the General Fund to the Parks and Trails Fund.
Ditch/Ag Inspector
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Acting as Ditch Authority, acknowledge receipt of a Hold Harmless Agreement petition to clean a section of CD33 and install a private crossing on parcel 20-0035403 - Reynolds Twp section 32.
Public Works
On motion by Noska and second by Byers, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Approve attached Cooperative Construction Agreement for the Browerville Trail along CSAH 21.
County Attorney
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Approve the 2024 Agreement for Prosecution Services with the City of Burtrum, Grey Eagle, West Union, Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Bertha, and Hewitt.
County Sheriff
On motion by Byers and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To create an additional Full Time Investigator position at Grade 11.
On motion by Noska and second by Byers, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To purchase the new Motorola Body Camera system at the Quoted price of $113,870.
Solid Waste
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To authorize Director, Chris McConn, to sign the MPCA Grant Agreement for $186,625.00.
Planning & Zoning
Information was provided to the County Board to confirm that the applicant for CUP on parcel 14-0009600 has formally withdrawn the item which was tabled in the February 20th, 2024 board meeting.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by majority vote with Neumann against: To adopt the findings of the Planning Commission and adopt the amendments to Section 9.08 – Sewage Treatment Standards as presented.
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and failed by majority rollcall vote with Denny and Noska for and Becker, Byers and Neumann against:
Adopt the findings of the Planning Commission and additional findings from the County Board and grant the CUP on parcel 18-0040700 with the following conditions:
1. Applicant must obtain NPDES permitting for proposed expansion prior to issuance of land use permits.
2. No future building permits for feedlot components will be issued without prior approval of the MPCA as long as animal units and numbers met or increase beyond State NPDES/SDS and Federal CAFO definitions.
3. Applicant must obtain alternate MN DNR waters withdrawal permitting and provide verification of approved permitting to Todd County prior to issuance of land use permits.
4. Applicant must obtain Construction Stormwater Permitting in accordance with MN Rule 7090.
5. The stormwater and erosion control plan within any engineered designs shall be provided to Todd County prior to the start of construction. Todd County employees shall have the right to enter the property with advanced notice throughout the 2024-2029 NPDES construction permit period to ensure stormwater protections are in place.
6. Air quality exemption notices shall be provided to Todd County prior to all future manure application events. The notification shall include field identification and location, manure density, manure application rate, period of application, procedure of application, and timing of incorporation.
7. Land application fields and setback maps shall be provided to Todd County on an annual basis for no less than the first five years of the MPCA issued permit.
8. Applicant shall provide annual land application records to the MPCA and local Feedlot Program for review no later than March 15 of the year following the land application events to be reviewed.
9. All land application shall adhere to MN 7020 setbacks including 100’ setbacks to sand-point and other sensitive wells as defined by the Minnesota Department of Health whether in use or not and 50 feet from any non-sensitive well, whether private, irrigation, commercial, or livestock well. These setbacks increase during winter application to a 300’ setback to all wells and surface waters and must also be adhered during winter land application events.
10. Liquid manure storage structure shall have capacity for no less than 12 months storage based on the annual manure production of the total animal units after any expansion with inclusion of all wastewater and runoff water from open lots being directed to the liquid manure storage area. All manure storage shall be constructed prior to stocking of additional animal units.
11. Proposed liquid manure storage area shall be constructed entirely outside of the current Drinking Water Supply Management Area for the City of Long Prairie.
12. Applicant shall develop an emergency management plan in both English and Spanish and shall have the plan posted in farm vehicles and key locations throughout the dairy site.
13. Applicant shall seek application to and recommendations from the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program before year 2024.
14. In the event of a manure spill or other discharge, applicant must notify the County and the Minnesota Duty Officer immediately upon discovery of said discharge.
15. Addition of flow monitoring devices in all wells within both the B1 and H1 aquifer wells.
16. Applicant must abide by all other applicable federal, state, and local standards.
The following statements are the conditions, changes or reasons that the motion failed:
1. Lack of information provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural reasons in order to make an informed decision about water quantity protections.
2. Insufficient availability of groundwater to supply the requested increase in animal units.
3. Lack of correct information related to ground water and that the County shall have the final decision in protection of ground water quantity.
4. Health, safety, and welfare for the citizens of Todd County.
Health & Human Services
On motion by Noska and second by Byers, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the increase in OSS II position from 32 hrs a week to 40 hrs a week.
On motion by Byers and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Approve notification to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Todd County’s intent to administer and deliver the Energy Assistance Program for FFY 2025.
On motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the Care Coordinator Job Description.
Commissioners
After discussion was held, Chair Becker tabled the proposed action regarding written approval from affected Todd County Townships on P&Z Commission Boards Agenda action items to allow for time to research potential verbiage that could be added within the Zoning Ordinance.
County Auditor-Treasurer’s Report
The County Auditor-Treasurer reported that the Presidential Nomination Primary is being held today countywide and encouraged residents to vote today.
County Attorney’s Report
The County Attorney encouraged residents to vote today.
County Commissioner’s Report
The Commissioners reported on meetings and events attended.
Commissioner Denny had nothing new to report.
Commissioner Becker attended the Personnel, Facilities and Region V meetings.
Commissioner Noska encouraged residents to vote today.
Commissioner Neumann attended the Personnel meetings.
Commissioner Byers attended the Wellness Committee, Long Prairie Watershed and Tri-Cap meetings.
Recess
Chair Becker recessed the meeting until March 19th, 2024.
AUDITOR WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
EBSO INC
$295,613.19
HEALTH PARTNERS DENTAL
$7,609.77
INTEGRITY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, LLC
$4,455.00
LONG PRAIRIE SANITATION INC
$6,286.14
NOW MICRO INC
$5,105.40
PETERS LAW OFFICE, P.A.
$13,593.14
PRAIRIE LAKES MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
$90,689.08
STEP
$11,818.80
TANGEN/NEIL R
$2,410.00
TODD CO AUD-TREAS
$8,046.50
VOYANT COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
$3,439.60
23 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$10,760.25
BLUEPEARL VETERINARY PARTNERS
$2,603.42
CENTRA CARE
$12,109.12
MELROSE ONE STOP
$5,155.04
MINNESOTA POWER
$14,396.26
MN DEPT OF FINANCE
$5,080.50
MORRISON COUNTY
$24,249.26
NORTH COUNTRY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC
$49,260.59
REVIZE LLC
$8,280.00
SHI CORP
$4,170.33
SHIRLEY’S GAS & GROCERIES INC
$5,083.71
29 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$12,541.08
CENTERPOINT ENERGY
$7,329.06
CITY OF LONG PRAIRIE
$14,014.32
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY
$5,833.00
FLEET SERVICES/WEX BANK
$6,908.83
GALLAGHER BENEFIT SERVICES INC
$11,825.00
MINNESOTA POWER
$8,910.64
NORTHSTAR PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR
$8,950.00
OFFICE OF MNIT SERVICES
$2,677.30
STAPLES ADVANTAGE
$2,749.31
THE TRADESMEN CONSTRUCTION INC
$124,830.31
TODD CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$15,000.00
TOWN OF BARTLETT
$22,822.36
TOWN OF BERTHA
$26,669.62
TOWN OF BIRCHDALE
$31,908.83
TOWN OF BRUCE
$25,316.00
TOWN OF BURLEENE
$23,906.17
TOWN OF BURNHAMVILLE
$30,614.32
TOWN OF EAGLE VALLEY
$36,337.52
TOWN OF FAWN LAKE
$30,217.31
TOWN OF GERMANIA
$29,163.21
TOWN OF GORDON
$30,523.74
TOWN OF GREY EAGLE
$23,074.52
TOWN OF HARTFORD
$35,590.51
TOWN OF IONA
$35,312.20
TOWN OF KANDOTA
$22,098.27
TOWN OF LESLIE
$25,075.31
TOWN OF LITTLE ELK
$20,572.36
TOWN OF LITTLE SAUK
$31,009.22
TOWN OF LONG PRAIRIE
$30,206.54
TOWN OF MORAN
$27,837.14
TOWN OF REYNOLDS
$28,374.31
TOWN OF ROUND PRAIRIE
$33,506.02
TOWN OF STAPLES
$26,782.31
TOWN OF STOWE PRAIRIE
$ 30,853.89
TOWN OF TURTLE CREEK
$16,237.00
TOWN OF VILLARD
$31,351.14
TOWN OF WARD
$32,296.69
TOWN OF WEST UNION
$18,939.46
TOWN OF WYKEHAM
$30,769.03
WENCK ASSOCIATES, INC.
$27,706.73
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING INC
$9,588.75
28 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$11,893.26
MCCC, MI33
$8,695.00
OTTER TAIL CO SOLID WASTE DEPT
$17,625.31
STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC
$27,706.73
TOWMASTER
$153,593.00
WARNER LAW, LLC
$4,484.78
18 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$6,785.02
CITY OF BURTRUM
$17,363.82
CITY OF STAPLES
$3,193.32
SCHOOL DISTRICT 2170
$18,921.81
SCHOOL DISTRICT 2753
$63,261.74
SCHOOL DISTRICT 486
$31,545.79
TOWN OF BRUCE
$14,190.60
TOWN OF FAWN LAKE
$4,051.58
TOWN OF MORAN
$2,550.79
TOWN OF ROUND PRAIRIE
$30,602.36
6 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$1,819.24
MN DEPT OF REVENUE
$29,671.10
US BANK - CC
$10,032.45
MN UI FUND
$22,418.94
7 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$4,905.23
TOTAL:
$2,121,756.30
COMMISSIONER WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
CARGILL SALT DIVISION
$15,356.76
CONFITREK, INC.
$2,400.00
EMERGENCY AUTOMOTIVE TECH
$2,477.33
HILLYARD
$3,391.68
IDENTISYS INCORPORATED
$5,713.43
SAUK CENTRE POLICE DEPARTMENT
$3,800.00
62 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$24,525.44
Total:
$57,664.64
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
2 PATRIOTS PROPERTIES
$3,060.00
BENSON FUNERAL HOME
$3,030.00
CENTERPOINT ENERGY
$2,320.81
DHS - SWIFT
$9,344.43
ITEN FUNERAL HOME
$3,180.00
PERISH/ALAN
$2,303.41
US BANK
$3,002.46
93 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$29,023.17
Total:
$55,264.28
VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
DHS - ANOKA METRO RTC - 412
$65,286.00
DHS - MOOSE LAKE RTC - 462
$2,179.61
DHS - MSOP - MN SEX OFFENDER PROG - 462
$5,939.60
DHS - ST PETER RTC - 472
$11,578.50
MERIDIAN SERVICES INC
$2,731.41
RESOURCE TRAINING AND SOLUTIONS
$5,056.59
9 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000
$2,346.12
Total:
$95,117.83
On a motion by Denny and second by Byers, the preceding minutes of the County Board meeting held March 5th, 2024 were duly approved by unanimous vote at the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Regular Board Meeting held on March 19th, 2024.
Witness my hand and seal:
/s/ on file
Barbara Becker, County Board Chairperson
/s/ on file
Denise Gaida, Todd County Auditor-Treasurer
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