Todd County Board Proceedings

Minutes of the Meeting of the Todd County Board of Commissioners held on
July 2nd, 2024
Public Comment
Allen Lysdahl provided information to the County Board regarding a new proposal to change the State Senator district structure to be one Senator for each Minnesota county known as the One County, One Senator proposal.
Vickie Thompson provided information to the County Board regarding a new proposal to change the election structure to be One County, One Senator.
State Representative Mike Wiener provided his perspective regarding the One County, One Senator legislation proposal.
Greg Warner provided a list of concerns regarding the approved tiling project on County Ditch 42.
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 2nd day of July, 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.
The Todd County Board of Commissioners extended congratulations and gratitude to the county employees recognized for their years of service as of the second quarter of 2024.
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 4.7 Resignation of Katrina Oldakowski and 11.2 MOA Between Todd County and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.
Consent Agenda
On motion by Byers and second by Neumann, the following motions and resolution were introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
To approve the Todd County Board of Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes for June 17th & 18th, 2024 as presented.
Hire Laura Bunde for the FT road Deputy position start date TBD at a pay rate of $28.48 grade 10 step 1.
To approve the hiring of Nathan Ruda for $21.00 / Hour for the Seasonal Solid Waste position.
To hire Angela Schleicher to fill the open WIC Coordinator position. Grade 12 Step 7 , $37.65 /hr. Start date: TBD
GAMBLING PERMIT – NWTF STRUTTIN BLACKBEARDS
WHEREAS, the Todd County Board of Commissioners are establishing their approval for a Gambling Permit for the NWTF Struttin Blackbeards through this resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Todd County Board of Commissioners approve a Gambling Permit for the NWTF Struttin Blackbeards to hold a raffle event at the Thunder Lodge in Long Prairie Township at the address 22056 US 71, Long Prairie, MN on August 23rd, 2024.
To approve a one day On Sale Temporary Liquor License for the Long Prairie Lions Club at the address of 24257 Riverside Drive (Long Drive In), Long Prairie, MN in Long Prairie Township effective July 17th, 2024. Alternative day of July 24th, 2024 if needed due to weather.
To accept resignation of Katrina Oldakowski as of 7-1-2024.
Auditor-Treasurer
On motion by Denny and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the June 2024 Auditor Warrants number (ACH) 904179 through 904234 in the amount of $818,815.63 (Manual) 970 through 978 in the amount of $129,207.96 and (Regular) 242748 through 242773 in the amount of $1,531,034.30 for a total of $2,479,057.89.
On motion by Byers and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 403297 through 403320 in the amount of $57,719.25 and (Regular) 58138 through 58168 in the amount of $57,138.48 for a total of $114,857.73.
On motion by Neumann and second by Byers, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Health & Human Services Commissioner Warrants number (ACH) 805486 through 805517 and (Regular) 712076 through 712127 for a total of $164,380.95.
On motion by Denny and second by Neumann, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous rollcall vote: To approve the Health & Human Services SSIS Warrants number (ACH) 601333 through 601338 and (Regular) 517938 through 517951 for a total amount of $14,198.30.
On motion by Byers and second by Denny, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
RESOLUTION OF DESIGNATION TO EDUCATION IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Professional Educator Licensing Standards Board (PELSB), and Office of Higher Education (OHE) require annual designation of an Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for each government agency that uses the Education Identity and Access Management (EDIAM) system.
WHEREAS, the county designated Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) is responsible for authorizing, reviewing, and recertifying user access for their local educational agency in accordance with the State of Minnesota Enterprise Identity and Access Management Standard, which states that all user access rights to Minnesota state systems must be reviewed and recertified at least annually.
WHEREAS, the county designated IOwA will authorize user access to State of Minnesota Education secure systems in accordance with the user’s assigned job duties, and will revoke that user’s access when it is no longer needed to perform their job duties.
WHEREAS, that the county’s governing board must annually designate someone to serve as an IOwA to authorize user access to State of Minnesota Education secure websites on behalf of the county.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Todd County Board of Commissioners hereby delegates to Todd County Auditor/Treasurer, Denise Gaida, the authority to serve as the county’s Identified Official with Authority (IOwA) for the aforementioned purposes.
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the Park Board’s recommendation to clean shoreline of noxious weeds, removal of hazardous trees and removing with the intent to repurpose the existing fence at Battle Point Park.
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Doug Host, CPA, provided a summary of the Audit of the Financial Year Ending December 31, 2023 for the County Board’s review.
Public Works
On motion by Byers and second by Noska, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Authorize the public advertisement to fill the Temporary Senior Engineering Technician position for the CSAH 14 Bridge Project.
Ditch/Ag Inspector
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following resolution was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote:
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT – DITCH MAINTENANCE – COUNTY DITCH 4
WHEREAS, Justin Johnson is requesting to maintain approximately 2,635 feet of the Middle Branch of CD4 that is located on the Chmielewski parcel 07-0037700. A Hold Harmless Agreement has been submitted to the Ditch Authority, and;
WHEREAS, an onsite inspection has been done, and;
WHEREAS, Justin Johnson is allowed to maintain the drainage ditch to the original width, depth and grade. An improvement by lowering or widening the ditch bottom is not allowed. Sediment and vegetation can only be removed to the extent of the original ditch bottom elevation. Spoil must be side cast and leveled, staying within 16.5 feet of the ditch.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Todd County Ditch Authority gives permission to Justin Johnson to maintain approximately 2,635 feet of the Middle Branch on CD4 that is located on parcel 07-0037700, Eagle Valley Twp section 31. This maintenance will be done at Justin’s own expense.
On motion by Neumann and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Acting as Ditch Authority, approve the Updated Ag Tech Drainage quote of $62,772.40, to replace the failing 24” tile line on County Ditch 42. As part of the tile repair project, also approve: 1) Doug’s Excavating’s estimate for installing erosion control of $3,950.00 2) rental reimbursement for parcels 21-0022801 & 21-0023600 - 4.41 acres - $1,036.35. There are also $4,793.45 of existing expenses, that when added into the project bring the total estimated cost to $72,552.20. This total may differ slightly depending on final preparation expenses.
Solid Waste
On motion by Byers and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To award the bid to KG Construction for the amount of $7,825.00 for structural repairs to the southside of the Solid Waste current building.
Health & Human Services
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To approve the change of one Office Support Specialist I to a Paraprofessional Case Aide position.
Administration
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: Approve participation for the year 2024 in Sourcewell’s Internship Program for the departments requesting to participate (Health and Human Services, Solid Waste and County Attorney)
Closed Session
Chair Becker closed the session pursuant to MN Statute §13D.05 Subd. 3(a) at 10:03 a.m.
On motion by Byers and second by Denny, the following motion was introduced and adopted by unanimous vote: To reopen the session at 12:45 p.m.
Chair Becker provided a summary of the closed session that Department Head Evaluations were held for the following persons and all were deemed satisfactory standing:
Pete Berscheit, Veterans Service Officer
Mike Eberle, Solid Waste Supervisor
Chris Odden, County Assessor
Loren Fellbaum, County Engineer
Lisa Parteka, MIS Director
Jackie Och, HHS Director
Adam Ossefoort, PZ/SWCD Director
Chris McConn, Solid Waste Director
On motion by Noska and second by Denny, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
MOA BETWEEN TODD COUNTY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES INC
WHEREAS, the Employer and Union are parties to a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) dated January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Brittney Hendricks (“Hendricks”), a bargaining unit employee, was promoted from the job classification of Deputy Sheriff to Sergeant on or about February 21, 2023, and has elected to voluntarily self-demote to the job classification of Deputy Sheriff, effective July 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Hendricks chose to voluntarily self-demote in order to qualify for the specialty assignment of Regional Task Force Investigator, an assignment for which only bargaining unit employees classified as Deputy Sheriffs are currently eligible; and
WHEREAS, Hendricks’ appointment to the specialty assignment of Regional Task Force Investigator will begin on July 15, 2024.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows with respect to Hendricks’ self-demotion and appointment to the specialty assignment of Regional Task Force Investigator.
County Auditor-Treasurer’s Report
The County Auditor-Treasurer reported election training has been underway, absentee voting for the State Primary remains available to all Todd County voters and attended the MACATFO conference. The 2025 budget preparation processes will be beginning with meetings scheduled over the next couple weeks.
County Coordinator’s Report
The County Coordinator attended a presentation at the Initiative Foundation, coordinated the wellness health screening event and is working with P&Z regarding building Cannabis Ordinance plans and announced that Todd County has received grant funding from Sourcewell.
County Commissioner’s Report
The Commissioners reported on meetings and events attended.
Commissioner Denny attended the Park Board meeting for their project updates and other regular meetings.
Commissioner Becker attended the County Board of Appeals, Policies and signed the emergency declaration paperwork, Personnel, Region V and attended the Todd County Fair.
Commissioner Neumann attended the Park Board and Personnel Committee meeting.
Commissioner Byers attended the Park Board meeting for their project updates and attended the Wellness committee meeting.
Commissioner Noska attended the regular meetings and the Todd County Fair.
Recess
Chair Becker recessed the meeting until July 16th, 2024.
AUDITOR WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME AMOUNT
ARNZEN CONSTRUCTION INC $ 22,594.11
BCI CONSTRUCTION INC $ 16,000.00
EBSO INC $ 290,871.27
MN DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES $ 3,525.00
PETERS LAW OFFICE, P.A. $ 7,474.50
TODD CO AGRICULTURAL SOC. $ 9,897.80
TODD SOIL & WATER CONS DIST $ 2,714.45
VERIZON $ 6,080.33
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING INC $ 5,125.97
WYSOCKI/JOE $ 16,333.00
22 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 11,934.08
BIG SWAN LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATI $ 6,485.00
CARGILL SALT DIVISION $ 10,997.01
CENTRA CARE $ 12,477.12
CLIFTON LARSONALLEN, LLP $ 13,072.50
FLEET SERVICES/WEX BANK $ 8,974.41
HY-TEC CONSTRUCTION $ 642,445.39
LONG PRAIRIE SANITATION INC $ 6,444.40
METRO SALES INC $ 2,872.13
MN DEPT OF FINANCE $ 7,296.00
PRAIRIE LAKES MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE AUTH $ 90,689.08
SHIRLEY’S GAS & GROCERIES INC $ 3,299.32
SIR LINES-A-LOT, LLC $ 185,059.14
STAPLES ADVANTAGE $ 2,211.19
STEP $ 24,576.90
TODD CO AUD-TREAS $ 8,046.50
UNITED SPRAY FOAM LLC $ 4,800.00
VANTAGE POINT PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS $ 3,000.00
VOYANT COMMUNICATIONS, LLC $ 3,431.26
WATERGUARDS LLC $ 18,553.50
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING INC $ 4,444.67
43 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 23,248.92
CARD SERVICES COBORNS $ 3,736.88
CARGILL SALT DIVISION $ 13,467.76
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY $ 6,419.00
GALLAGHER BENEFIT SERVICES INC $ 2,000.00
HEALTH PARTNERS DENTAL $ 7,533.66
JOHNSON CONTROLS $ 12,544.50
MINNESOTA POWER $ 13,635.01
MORRISON COUNTY $ 49,899.14
NORTHERN STAR COOP $ 3,261.39
STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC $ 19,687.50
US BANK $ 21,015.00
51 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 21,678.93
ARC ELECTRIC SERVICE $ 8,621.71
CENTERPOINT ENERGY $ 212,653.41
EBSO INC $ 286,341.44
KENDALL/MATTHEW $ 17,700.00
MINNESOTA ENERGY RESOURCES CORP $ 64,447.07
NORTH COUNTRY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC $ 101,298.96
22 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 8,933.62
MN DEPT OF REVENUE $ 83,212.58
US Bank-CC $ 6,230.10
MN DEPT OF REVENUE $ 3,032.00
MN DEPT OF REVENUE $ 34,126.81
6 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 2,606.47
TOTAL: $ 2,479,057.89
COMMISSIONER WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME AMOUNT
CENTRAL APPLICATORS INC $ 2,797.59
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE INC $ 14,944.63
LONG PRAIRIE LEADER $ 5,678.26
OBERG FENCE CO INC $ 12,742.00
TODD SOIL & WATER CONS DIST $ 16,754.32
TRUENORTH STEEL INC $ 48,145.16
49 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 13,795.77
Total: $ 114,857.73
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES WARRANTS
VENDOR NAME AMOUNT
DHS - SWIFT $ 138,048.38
PERISH/ALAN $ 2,429.18
72 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 22,053.58
10 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 1,849.81
Total: $ 164,380.95

VENDOR NAME AMOUNT
GREATER MN FAMILY SRVS INC $ 2,500.00
RESOURCE TRAINING AND SOLUTIONS $ 2,354.50
18 PAYMENTS LESS THAN 2000 $ 9,343.80
Total: $ 14,198.30
On a motion by Noska and second by Denny, the preceding minutes of the County Board meeting held July 2nd, 2024 were duly approved by unanimous vote at the Todd County Board of Commissioners at the Regular Board Meeting held on July 16th, 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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