[00:00:05]
>> WE CALL A MEETING OF THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
[Call Board of Commissioners Meeting to Order: Chair]
TO ORDER OF THIS MARCH, 14TH, 2023.PLEASE STAY ON FOR THE PLEDGE LED BY COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL.
[Approval of Agenda]
MS [INAUDIBLE] DO YOU HAVE A CHANGE ON THAT?>> YES, MR. CHAIR, THERE IS TWO AGENDA ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY.
IS THE AMENDMENT OF NUMBER 3 TO AMENDMENT AGREEMENT NUMBER 104597 FOR ML SOLUTIONS SUBMITTED BY PUBLIC WORKS.
>> WELL, THAT'D BE BEFORE THE ANNUAL [INAUDIBLE] REPORT?
>> I BELIEVE THAT CAME AFTER THE ANNUAL [INAUDIBLE] REPORT.
>> THAT [INAUDIBLE] REPORT IS PRETTY IMPORTANT.
YOU'VE HEARD THE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA.
IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT?
>> COMMISSIONER DEHEN HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
[Approval of Consent Agenda]
ANY MEMBERS WISH TO REMOVE ANY OF THOSE ITEMS OFF.OTHERWISE, WE WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE.
>> COMMISSIONER DEHEN HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL. DISCUSSION? I'M HEARING NONE, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
PUBLIC APPEARANCES? IS THERE ANYONE WHO IS NOT ON THE AGENDA OF OUR BUSINESS MEETING HERE TODAY WHO WISH TO MAKE A PUBLIC APPEARANCE BEFORE THE COUNTY BOARD? I'M HEARING AND SEEING NONE, LET US MOVE ON TO HUMAN RESOURCES.
[Human Resources]
CHRISTINE, DO YOU NEED SOME HELP CARRY THAT BIG TROPHY OF? [LAUGHTER]>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
TODAY I'M HERE TO AWARD A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AWARD.
NICOLLET COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT WHICH IS ONGOING IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES OR PROCESSES THROUGH INCREMENTAL CHANGES.
EACH YEAR AS DEPARTMENTS MAKE IMPROVEMENTS, THEY SUBMIT BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR PROJECTS.
THEN COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR LANDKAMER AND I REVIEW THE SUBMISSIONS AND SELECT ONE TO BE AWARDED MOST IMPACTFUL CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR.
AFTER REVIEW OF THE 2022 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT SUBMISSIONS, THE WOMEN INFANTS AND CHILDREN TEAM, OR WIC TEAM IN THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, WAS SELECTED AS HAVING THE MOST IMPACTFUL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
PARTICIPANTS OF THIS PROJECT WERE ALAN [INAUDIBLE] DEWEY, REBECCA [INAUDIBLE] JOHN [INAUDIBLE] AND CASSIE SUSEBURG.
THE WIC TEAM SUCCESSFULLY PILOTED A NEW TECHNOLOGY.
THE SOFTWARE WAS CALLED CAPTIVATED, AND IT ALLOWS FOR OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES THROUGH AN APPLICATION.
THESE TEXTS MESSAGES CAN INCLUDE SECURE CHAT AND EXCHANGE OF FORMS. THIS HAS PROVEN TO BE AN INNOVATIVE AND EFFICIENT MEANS OF COMMUNICATION AND HAS MANY BENEFITS TO THE COUNTIES WITH CLIENTS.
BENEFITS TO THE COUNTY INCLUDE COST-SAVINGS, LABOR SAVINGS, TIME SAVINGS, LESS PROCESSING TIME, AND AN IMPROVEMENT IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION.
THIS PROJECT REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES SO WELL, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF INNOVATION AND EFFICIENCY.
AS USE OF CAPTIVATED SPREADS TO OTHER GROUPS, THEY WILL BE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE WIC'S LEADERSHIP IN GETTING THIS SYSTEM UP AND RUNNING AT THE COUNTY.
A FULL REPORT OF ALL THE SUBMITTED 2022 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE, BUT TODAY, I'M ASKING THE BOARD TO JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING ALL COUNTY STAFF ON THEIR 2022 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS AND ESPECIALLY THE WIC TEAM ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENT AND THEIR BIG PRIZE HERE.
>> IT WEIGHS JUST AS MUCH. [LAUGHTER]
>> WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT WE COULD CALL CASSIE AND HER TEAM UP TO STAND BY THE TROPHY, AND THEN CASSIE COULD INTRODUCE ALL OF THE FOLKS TO US PERSONALLY.
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I KNOW YOU WANT TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THIS EVENT.CASSIE, IF YOU COULD COME FORWARD AND BRING YOUR FOCUS WITH YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
>> THIS MORNING YOU SEE BEFORE YOU ARE WIC TEAM, WE HAVE REBECCA [INAUDIBLE] DEWEY, JOHN [INAUDIBLE] ALAN [INAUDIBLE], AND [INAUDIBLE] ALAN.
I THINK ALAN AS THE WIC COORDINATOR REALLY KICKED OFF A LOT OF THIS PROJECT FOR THE GROUP, SO WE WERE PRETTY EXCITED THAT THEY WERE WILLING TO BE THE FIRST GROUP TO PILOT THIS AND DO SO VERY SUCCESSFULLY.
>> WE WANT TO THANK YOU, FOLKS AND HONOR YOU HERE TODAY.
I APPRECIATE THE WORK THAT YOU BRING TO THE NICOLLET COUNTY ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY BOARD AND THE PEOPLE OF NICOLLET COUNTY.
NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA THIS MORNING IS FROM PROPERTIES SERVICES.
[Property Services]
HELLO. GOOD MORNING.>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
MY FIRST ITEM TODAY IS REGARDING PLN 23-04, A CUP REQUEST FROM ANNEX AT DAIRY FARMS, INC.
THE PLANNING AND ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION MET ON FEBRUARY 27TH, 2023, TO CONSIDER A CONDITIONAL USE REQUESTS TO EXPAND ANNEX AT DAIRY FROM 297.9 ANIMAL UNITS TO 496.5 ANIMAL UNITS.
PER COUNTY ORDINANCE FEEDLOTS 300 ANIMAL UNITS AND GREATER REQUIRE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
THE PLANNING AND ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION HAD DISCUSSIONS SURROUNDING THE LANGUAGE OF THE RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS.
BASED ON MINNESOTA RULES 7020, WHICH REGULATES FEEDLOTS, THE COMMISSION AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING.
THAT NUMBER 5 BE CHANGED TO MANURE THAT ISN'T A LIQUID OR SLURRY FORM MUST BE INJECTED OR INCORPORATED WITHIN 24 HOURS.
NUMBER 6 BE CHANGED TO MANURE WHEN TRANSPORTED, SHOULD COMPLY WITH MINNESOTA ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 7020, 2010.
THE INTENT REMAINS THE SAME AND APPLICANTS AGREED WITH THE CHANGES.
STAFF HAS ALSO ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY PAST COMPLAINTS OVER THE SITE AND THERE WERE NONE.
ADDITIONALLY, THERE ARE NO IMPACTS WITHIN THE 93 PERCENT OFFSET BUFFER.
THE PUBLIC WAS NOTIFIED AS REQUIRED BY LAW, STAFF RECEIVED ONE CALL INQUIRY ABOUT THE CUP REQUEST WHO HAD QUESTIONS, BUT THE CALLER HAD NO CONCERNS.
NOBODY SPOKE IN FAVOR OR OPPOSED AT THE HEARING.
BASED ON THEIR FINDINGS, THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CUP WITH THE AMENDED CONDITIONS AS LISTED BEFORE YOU.
DOES THE BOARD HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
>> YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION, THE ONE COMMENT THAT I MIGHT MAKE AHEAD OF TIME OR ANY ACTION ACTUALLY ASKING FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS, IS THAT I'VE BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE AND I HAVEN'T SEEN A REPORT THIS COMPLETE IN MY YEARS OF VIEWING PLANNING AND ZONING AND PROPOSALS FOR ANY HOG OR DAIRY TYPE OF FEEDLOTS.
KUDOS TO YOUR OFFICE AND TO THE ANNEX STANDS.
IT LOOKS FAIRLY COMPLETE AND THE PLANNING AND ZONING GROUP, MARIA, WAS ALL IN FAVOR OF THAT OR TERRY WERE YOU THERE?
>> TERRY WAS THERE FOR ME THAT NIGHT.
>> I'LL LOOK TO TERRY TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY [OVERLAPPING]
>> AS YOU SAID, MR. CHAIR, I THOUGHT IT WAS ALMOST AN AMAZING APPLICATION IN TERMS OF DETAIL AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
I FELT VERY GOOD ABOUT AND WHEN THE TIME IS APPROPRIATE, I WOULD MAKE THE NEEDED MOTION.
>> I'LL MOVE APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IN ACCEPTANCE OF THE FINDINGS OF FACT.
>> YOU PROVE THE MOTION. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER ZINS. DISCUSSION. WHO ARE THEIR DISCUSSION? IT'S BEEN AWHILE SINCE WE'VE SEEN PROPOSALS OF THIS SIZE OR REALLY ANY SIZE THAT I CAN RECALL.
WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE GOING?
>> I THINK WITH FEEDLOTS, IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT FOR NICOLLET COUNTY, IT'S NOT THE FLAT SURFACE FOR HOG FARMS, SO IT WOULD BE DAIRY BUT IT'S NOT VERY COMMON.
I DON'T KNOW. I HAVEN'T HAD ANYONE COME IN AND REQUEST ANY FUTURE APPLICATIONS, SO IT'S NOT ON MY RADAR AT THIS TIME.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? ANY OTHER COMMENTS TO THE MOTION IN FRONT OF US? [INAUDIBLE] DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING?
>> LET'S CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE, SARAH.
>> YES. IT CARRIES. THANK YOU.
>> MR. CHAIR. IF I COULD JUST NOTE MR. ANNEX IS DEAD.
>> HELLO. [LAUGHTER] WE JUST APPROVED IT AND WE COMPLEMENTED HOW GOOD THE PACKET WAS.
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>> THANK YOU. I WAS JUST INVITED. [LAUGHTER]
>> I DIDN'T KNOW IF YOU'D COVER THAT.
>> GLORIA, DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER ITEM FOR US?
>> WE DO. THE NEXT ONE WOULD BE THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR THE LOWER ONE WATERSHED 1 PLAN, AND I'M GOING TO ASK THAT BANNER ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST TO ADDRESS THAT.
[NOISE] IT DOES HAVE A POWERPOINT SLIDE.
>> PUT TOGETHER THIS POWERPOINT, JUST TO TALK ABOUT OUR COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN THAT WE'VE BEEN DEVELOPING BEGINNING BACK IN 2020.
IT'S WHEN OUR PLANNING MEETINGS BEGAN.
JUST THE WHOLE IDEA BEHIND IT IS THAT THE WATERSHED BOUNDARIES DON'T ALIGN WITH THE COUNTY BOUNDARIES SO YOU'RE WORKING WITH OTHER COUNTIES WITHIN THE SAME WATERSHED TO ADDRESS THE RESOURCE CONCERNS.
I KNOW ULTIMATELY WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOALS OF IMPROVING WATER QUALITY WATERSHED.
[NOISE] HERE'S JUST A MAP OF THE PLANNING AND THE PLANNING AREA AND SEE IT SITS UP NICOLLET COUNTY.
THE MAJORITY IS IN SIBLEY COUNTY, BUT THEN MCLEOD AND A LITTLE BIT INTO RENVILLE COUNTY AS WELL.
THEN JUST THE PURPOSE, LIKE I MENTIONED, THAT THE PLAN IS DEVELOPED BASED ON A WATERSHED-WIDE SCIENCE-BASED APPROACH TO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND IT INCLUDES PRIORITIZE RESOURCE CONCERNS AND ISSUES THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
IT'S CURRENTLY IN THE FINAL STAGES OF REVIEW WITH APPROVAL HOPEFULLY COMING LATER THIS MONTH.
THEN WITH THAT, WE'RE IN THE STAGE WHERE WE'RE HOPING TO GET ALL PARTNERS TO ADOPT THE PLAN SO THEY CAN BEGIN THE IMPLEMENTATION UPON APPROVAL.
WITH THAT, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT THAT WAS APPROVED FOR DISTRIBUTION BY THE POLICY COMMITTEE AT THEIR FEBRUARY 9TH MEETING.
BASICALLY, THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT DOESN'T CREATE A NEW ENTITY, IT JUST OPENLY COMMUNICATES COMMITMENT TO WORK TOGETHER AS A PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS ALL OF THESE RESOURCE CONCERNS IN THE WATERSHED.
LIKE I MENTIONED, THE PARTNERS IN THE JOINT PART AGREEMENT ARE NICOLLET COUNTY SWCD, SIBLEY COUNTY AND THEIR SWCD, AND MCLEOD COUNTY AND THEIR SWCD.
RENVILLE COUNTY ONLY HAD ABOUT 3% OF THE PLANNING YEAR AND THEN THEIR ATTORNEYS THEY DECIDED TO OPT OUT OF THE PLAN.
IT WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAIN GROUPS.
THERE'S THE POLICY COMMITTEE, WHICH SERVED AS THE DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY, AND NOW IT'S COMPOSED OF A COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND A SWCD SUPERVISOR FOR EACH ENTITY.
THEN THERE'S THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP WHICH THEY'RE PROVIDED INPUT TO THE POLICY COMMITTEE.
THIS WAS COMPOSED OF A VARIETY OF LONGHORNS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS STAFF AND THEN THE STEERING TEAM IS A GROUP THAT ACTUALLY DEVELOPED THE PLAN, MET REGULARLY TO DRAFT THE PLAN AND THIS WAS COMPOSED OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF AND SWCD STAFF.
THEN THROUGH THE PLANNING PROCESS, WE DEVELOPED THREE TIERS OF PRIORITY ISSUES WITH LEVEL 1 BEING THE HIGHEST PRIORITY AND DOWN TO LEVEL 3 BEING LOWER PRIORITY ISSUES TO ADDRESS WITHIN THE WATERSHED.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THE HIGHEST PRIORITY ISSUES ARE DEGRADED AND SURFACE WATER QUALITY, EXCESSIVE EROSION, SEDIMENTATION, ALTERED HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE, AND EXCESSIVE FLOODING.
THROUGH STUDYING MPCA WATER RESOURCE STUDIES IN THE AREA, AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF RANKING AND SCORING EXERCISES THE GROUP DID IS HOW WE CAME UP WITH THOSE AS BEING OUR HIGHEST LEVEL.
THEN ADDITION TO THAT, SOME OF THESE LOWER LEVEL 2 AND
[00:15:03]
LEVEL 3 ISSUES ARE CLOSELY LINKED TO THE HIGHER PRIORITY ISSUES RAISED.BY ADDRESSING SOME OF THOSE, YOU'LL SEE A BENEFIT TO SOME OF THESE LOWER-LEVEL ISSUES AS WELL.
TO GO WITH SOME OF THE PRIORITY ISSUES, WE DEVELOPED PRIORITY AREAS WITHIN THE WATERSHED.
THIS JUST FOR EXAMPLE IS THE ALTERED HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE, WHICH IS ONE OF THOSE LEVEL 1 PRIORITY ISSUES THAT WE WANT TO ADDRESS IN THE WATERSHED.
BUT WITHIN THAT, THESE ARE THE PRIORITY AREAS WHERE THAT WOULD RECEIVE PRIORITY TO ACTUALLY ADD PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED ON THE GROUND TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.
AGAIN, THIS IS JUST FOR THE ALTERED HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE SECTION, BUT EACH PRIORITY ISSUE HAS A TABLE SIMILAR TO THIS.
I'M JUST SHOWING THIS TO HIGHLIGHT WHAT IS ACTUALLY IN THE PLAN AND WHAT THE PLAN LOOKS LIKE.
JUST GO BACK ONE MORE PROBLEM HERE.
WE JUST DEVELOP LONG-TERM GOALS AND THEN ACTUAL ACTION ITEMS THAT WE USED TO ADDRESS THESE GOALS TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN THE WATERSHED.
LIKE FOR EXAMPLE YOU CAN SEE HERE, THE ONE LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE ABILITY OF THE LANDSCAPES, MITIGATE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, INCREASE PRECIPITATION AND DEVELOPMENT.
A RATIONALE FOR THAT GOAL IS THE LOWER MINNESOTA WRAPS WHICH I MENTIONED IS THAT MPCA WATER QUALITY STUDY OF THE AREA AND AS WELL AS COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC COMMENT ON THESE RESOURCE ISSUES.
THEN GOING FURTHER OVER ONE OF THE 10-YEAR GOALS IS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE WETLANDS WITHIN THE WATERSHED THAT THEY PROVIDE A VARIETY OF WATER QUALITY BENEFITS, THEY CAN STORE MORE WATER IN AREAS OF EVENTS OF HIGH PRECIPITATION PREVENT FLOODING.
IT CAN ABSORB A LOT OF NUTRIENTS IN EVENTS OF RUNOFF FROM FERTILIZERS AND THINGS ALONG THOSE WAYS SO THEY DON'T END UP FURTHER DOWN THE WATER AND CAUSE WATER QUALITY ISSUES.
THEN JUST ON THE RIGHT IS OUR ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE, WHICH IS ON THE NEXT SLIDE A LITTLE BIT.
BUT IT'S ACTUALLY HOW WE WILL BE ADDRESSING THESE LONG-TERM GOALS LIKE WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECTS OR REACH THE LANDOWNERS AND ALL SORTS OF THINGS.
THEN HERE'S AN EXAMPLE OF OUR IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE, A LOT INFO THERE.
THIS IS AGAIN JUST FOR THAT ONE PRIORITY ISSUE OF ALTERED HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE.
BUT IT JUST HIGHLIGHTS SPECIFICALLY WHAT ACTUAL PROJECTS WILL BE OUT ON THE LANDSCAPE TIMEFRAME.
IT'S BROKEN DOWN OVER THE YEARS ONE OF THEM I KNOW IS HOST OUTREACH EVENTS FOR MULTIPURPOSE DRAINAGE PROJECTS AND IT'S BROKEN DOWN TO 10 PROJECTS OVER THE 10-YEAR LIFE PLAN SO TWO PER YEAR.
ESTIMATED COST AND ULTIMATELY WHAT WILL BE THE LEAD AND THEN SUPPORTING ENTITIES ON EVERY PROJECT.
EVERY PRIORITY ISSUE HAS A TABLE SIMILAR TO THAT, THAT'LL GO ALONG WITH IT.
THEN JUST SOME ISSUES THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THIS PLAN OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
AGAIN, THERE'S MANY MORE TO GO ALONG WITH THE TABLES THAT ARE ACTUALLY IN THE PLAN.
BUT EXCESSIVE EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION, PUTTING MORE COVER CROPS ON THE LANDSCAPE TO HELP IMPROVE SOIL HEALTH AND WATER QUALITY.
DEGRADING SURFACE WATER QUALITY, REDUCING E. COLI LOADING TO PROPER MANAGEMENT OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS AND ANY SEWER DISCHARGES OR FEEDLOT RUNOFF, ALTERED HYDROLOGY, AND DRAINAGE.
THERE WAS A WETLAND TYPE PROJECTS THAT I MENTIONED, AN EXCESSIVE RUNOFF AND FLOODING, PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS WHO MAY BE IMPACTED BY THESE FLOOD EVENTS.
THEN JUST ROUNDING OUT OUR PRIORITY ISSUES ON DEGRADED SOIL HEALTH.
HELPING IMPLEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO THE LANDOWNERS TO IMPLEMENT SOIL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES,
[00:20:05]
AND PROTECTING GROUNDWATER AND DRINKING WATER QUALITY.WORKING WITH THE LANDOWNERS TO EDUCATE THEM ON PROPER WELL MANAGEMENT.
THEN THREATEN GROUNDWATER SUPPLY, A VARIETY OF PROJECTS ARE WORKING TO PROMOTE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY.
A LOT OF THE FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT PROJECTS WILL ALL COME ALONG WITH IMPLEMENTING SOME OF THESE HIGHER-TIER PRIORITY ISSUES.
THEN JUST TO BREAK DOWN ON THE ESTIMATED PLAN, FUNDING, AND IMPLEMENTATION COST, AND IT IS AN ESTIMATE THAT A LOT OF THIS IS DEPENDENT ON FUNDING THROUGH STATE, FEDERAL AND PRIVATE GRANTS AND COST-SHARE TYPE PROJECTS WITH LANDOWNERS.
BUT IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE WATERSHED-BASED IMPLEMENTATION FUNDING, EACH PARTNER ENTITY HAS TO AGREE TO IMPLEMENT AND ADOPT THIS PLAN.
THAT'S A BIG COMPONENT AND NOW THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT CHUNK OF THIS FUNDING AS WELL.
JUST SO IT'S IMPORTANT THAT ALL OF THE PARTNERS THAT I MENTIONED BUY INTO THIS PLAN, SO WE CAN ULTIMATELY GET APPROVED AND WE'LL BE ABLE TO USE THIS PLAN AS LEVERAGE FOR FUNDING WITH A STRUCTURED PLAN IN PLACE AND HOW FUNDING WILL BE USED TO IMPLEMENT WATERSHED PROJECTS, AND ULTIMATELY WE'LL ALL WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OF THE WATERSHED.
>> IS THAT THE EXTENT OF YOUR REPORT THIS MORNING?
>> I SEE ON PAGE 192 OF OUR AGENDA IS THE RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT THE LOWER MINNESOTA RIVER WASTE COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN.
I WILL LOOK TO OUR COMMISSIONERS TO ASK WHO HAS THE ABILITY AND THE HISTORY, MARIE, WITH THIS PARTICULAR GROUP, AND WHO WOULD WISH TO MAKE A MOTION.
>> NINETEEN MEETINGS IN GAILLARD.
>> ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE PLAN?
>> YEAH, IT'S A NICE PLAN. THERE WAS A LOT OF BACKGROUND WORK BEFORE IT ACTUALLY GOT TO THE COMMITTEE.
THE GOAL IS TO CONTROL THE ISSUES UP HERE, TO MAKE THE ISSUES DOWN HERE LESS.
TIME WILL TELL AND BUY-IN FROM LANDOWNERS WILL BE CRUCIAL, BUT IT IS A VERY THOROUGH AND THOROUGHLY VETTED PLAN AT THIS POINT.
I WOULD MOVE THE RESOLUTION ON PAGE, I DON'T HAVE PAGE NUMBERS HERE.
>> ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY TWO IS WHAT I HAVE IN THERE.
>> YEAH. MINE DOESN'T HAVE PAGE NUMBERS ON IT AT ALL.
>> YOU'LL MOVE THE RESOLUTION?
>> I MOVE THE RESOLUTION. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL.
IS THERE A SECOND TO THE MOTION IN FRONT OF US?
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW HAS SECONDED.
>> YESTERDAY IT WENT THROUGH THE REGIONAL PLANNING WITH BOWSER.
I WAS WATCHING, NOT LISTENING BECAUSE I HAD PEOPLE IN MY WAY, BUT THAT PASSED YESTERDAY.
IN TWO WEEKS IT GOES THROUGH THE STATE VERSION OF BOWSER FOR APPROVAL?
>> WE'RE HOPING THAT SOON IT WILL BE APPROVED HERE.
>> IT DEFINITELY WENT QUITE SMOOTHLY AND QUICK YESTERDAY BECAUSE I LOOKED UP AND THEY WERE ONTO THE NEXT ONE.
>> [INAUDIBLE], YOU'VE HEARD THE MOTION AND THE SECOND.
>> MR. CHAIR, COULD I JUST ASK TO GET AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THAT PRESENTATION?
>> YES. COULD YOU DO THAT, SARAH, OR PROVIDE THAT TO BOARD MEMBERS? VERY GOOD. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
>> HEARING NO OTHER QUESTIONS, LET'S CALL THE ROLL.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPORT TODAY.
>> MADAM ATTORNEY, DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD?
>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE EMOTION THAT THE BOARD JUST MADE APPROVED THE RESOLUTION.
HOWEVER, I THINK THE BOARD ALSO HAS TO TAKE ACTION TO ADDRESS THE JOINT POWERS COLLABORATION, AND AN AGREEMENT TO ENTER INTO THAT COLLABORATION AS THAT DOCUMENT WILL ALSO [INAUDIBLE].
>> IS THAT IN THE SECOND PART OF THAT RESOLUTION?
>> I WANT TO JUST BE CLEAR THAT YOU'RE ALSO APPROVING THE COLLABORATION AS PART OF THE MOTION.
>> I'LL MOVE ADOPTION OF THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FROM DEHEN.
DISCUSSION. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
THANK YOU, MADAM ATTORNEY FOR CALLING THAT TO OUR ATTENTION.
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[Health and Human Services]
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.MS. [INAUDIBLE], GOOD MORNING.
>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
MY FIRST ITEM THIS MORNING IS THE ANNUAL SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVE PURCHASE OF SERVICE AGREEMENT.
A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
THE SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVE, THE SCCBI, [NOISE] IS A BOARD WITH A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR THE COUNTIES OF BLUE EARTH, BROWN, FARIBAULT, MARTIN, SHERBURNE, [INAUDIBLE], NICOLLET, RICE, SIBLEY, AND WATONWAN.
THIS BOARD ACCEPTS AND ADMINISTERS GRANTS AND ENTERS INTO CONTRACTS, PRIMARILY THROUGH THE USE OF THE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE GRANT AND CRISIS GRANTS, TO MEET REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS.
THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE AND ITS MANAGED STATE CONTRACTS, NICOLLET COUNTY RECEIVES REIMBURSEMENT FOR CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMS SERVICES, AND FUNDING FOR OUR CLUBHOUSE.
CHANGES TO THE 2023-2024 CONTRACT INCLUDE IMPLEMENTING A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT CYCLE TO MATCH THE DHS FUNDING CYCLE, WHICH MEANS THAT WE WILL HAVE TWO YEARS TO SPEND THE ALLOCATED FUNDS INSTEAD OF AN ANNUAL BUDGET.
THERE WAS ALSO ONE PERCENT INCREASE IN FUNDING ALLOCATED TO COUNTIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH STAFFING, AND A $6,000 INCREASE OVER TWO YEARS ALLOCATED TO COUNTIES FOR CLUBHOUSE STAFFING AND SERVICES.
JUST AS THAT SIDE NOTE, THAT THIS WAS NOT AN INCREASE TO OUR BASE GRANT, BUT RATHER REGIONAL FUNDS BEING DISTRIBUTED A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY.
THIS MORNING I AM REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE 2023-2024 PURCHASE OF SERVICE AGREEMENT.
>> YOU'VE HEARD THE REQUESTS FROM OUR DIRECTOR.
IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT?
>> COMMISSIONER DEHEN HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS TO MS. [INAUDIBLE] ABOUT THIS ITEM?
>> ONE PERCENT ISN'T GOING TO GO VERY FAR, IS IT?
>> IT IS THAT. NO. THERE WAS SOME UNDER SPENDING IN PARTS OF THE REGION THIS YEAR WHICH LED TO AN AMENDED CONTRACT TO REDISTRIBUTE THE MONEY AT THE END OF THE YEAR, SO THE ONE PERCENT DISTRIBUTION DIFFERENCE ACCOUNTS FOR THAT FOR NEXT YEAR.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR MS. ASSENBERG? HEARING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> YES. IT CARRIES. THANK YOU.
YOU HAVE ANOTHER ITEM FOR US TODAY?
>> YES. MY NEXT ITEM IS THE COLLABORATIVE SAFETY MODEL IMPLEMENTATION AS DISCUSSED AT THE MOST RECENT BOARD WORKSHOP.
NICOLLET COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IS REQUESTING TO IMPLEMENT THE COLLABORATIVE SAFETY MODEL.
THE COLLABORATIVE SAFETY MODEL WAS STARTED BY THE FEDERAL COMMISSION TO ELIMINATE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT FATALITIES.
THE MODEL ENGAGES LOCAL LEADERSHIP AND DIRECT PROGRAM STAFF ON SAFETY SCIENCE PRINCIPLES, SUPPORTING SAFETY LEADERSHIP AND DIRECT PROGRAM STAFF.
I PRINTED THIS OFF DIFFERENTLY.
[LAUGHTER] SUPPORTING SAFETY ADVANCEMENT AND SYSTEM CHANGE.
THE GOAL IS TO FOCUS ON A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRUST, AS WELL AS TO SUPPORT THE AGENCY IN DEVELOPING A ROBUST AND PROACTIVE RESPONSE TO CRITICAL INCIDENTS, HIGH-STRESS LOADS, AND COMPETING PRIORITIES.
OUTCOMES EXPECTED FROM THE USE OF THE COLLABORATIVE SAFETY MODEL INCLUDE INCREASED TRUST AND PROVISION OF CARE, IMPROVED STAFF MORALE, ENHANCED SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT, IMPROVEMENTS IN EMPLOYEE RETENTION, INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INCREASED PUBLIC TRUST.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS MODEL IS AT LEAST A ONE-YEAR LONG APPROACH, POSSIBLY TWO, INCLUDING A PRESENTATION FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND INTENSIVE TWO-DAY TRAINING FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES LEADERSHIP, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ALL STAFF TRAININGS AND INTENSIVE FULL DAY OF TRAINING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHILD WELFARE AND DISABILITY STAFF, EXAMINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROCEDURES FOR RESPONSE TO CRITICAL INCIDENTS, LEADERSHIP LABS, AND ONGOING E-LEARNING FOR NEW AND EXISTING STAFF MEMBERS.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS MODEL WOULD BE FUNDED BY A COMBINATION OF SOURCES, INCLUDING $120,000 IN COVID-19 RECOVERY FUNDS, $7,000 AND REMAINING SNAP BONUS FUNDS, AND $10,000 IN REQUESTED AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS.
THERE'S NO EXPECTED COST OF THE TAX LEVY.
THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND THE HIGH ACUITY OF CURRENT CASELOADS IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MAKE THIS AN IDEAL TIME TO MOVE THIS TRAINING MODEL FORWARD.
THIS MORNING I AM REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS AND AUTHORIZATION OF THE SCOPE OF WORK AGREEMENT.
>> THANK YOU. YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR.
IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT?
[00:30:02]
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER DEHEN. DISCUSSION, QUESTIONS?
>> IT'S FASCINATING THIS IS A MODEL USED IN INDUSTRIES SUCH AS AVIATION, HEALTH CARE, AND NUCLEAR POWER.
>> IT IS, YES. MOST RECENTLY, THE FOCUS IN CHILD WELFARE HAS SLOWLY MOVED OVER TO THE OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES FIELDS, PARTICULARLY PUBLIC HEALTH FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC.
>> IT SOUNDS VERY INTERESTING.
>> MR. CHAIR, I'VE GOT A QUESTION ABOUT THE FUNDING.
IT SHOWS THAT FUNDING, YOU SAID 120,000 FROM COVID RECOVERY FUNDS.
>> IS THAT I MEAN, AND THEN $10,000 FROM THE RPA FUNDS? THE RPA FUNDS WHICH I ASSUME WE ALREADY HAVE OR THIS WOULD JUST BE AN ALLOCATION OR USE OF THOSE RPA DOLLARS.
BUT HOW IS THE $120,000 COVID RECOVERY FUNDS DIFFERENT THAN THE RPA FUNDS? IS THAT COME FROM A DIFFERENT SOURCE OR IS THAT?
>> IT DOES. YES. THIS IS A GOOD QUESTION.
THOSE FUNDS ARE FUNDS THAT WERE ALLOCATED TO US DIRECTLY AS OUR PUBLIC HEALTH PORTION OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM THE STATE.
THOSE ARE FUNDS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO USE SOLELY OUT OF OUR DEPARTMENT FOR EITHER VACCINATION EFFORTS OR RECOVERY EFFORTS.
THEY PUT A DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT NEEDED TO BE USED FOR VACCINE AND A DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT NEEDED TO BE USED FOR RECOVERY.
ULTIMATELY, IF WE DIDN'T HAVE BIG PROJECTS TO MOVE FORWARD LIKE THIS, PARTICULARLY TO ASSIST OUR STAFF MEMBERS WITH STRESSORS AND HIGH WORKLOADS, A LOT OF THIS MONEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE USED.
>> THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAM IS, LIKE YOU SAID, A TWO-YEAR PROJECT OR A TWO-YEAR?
>> THERE'LL BE AT LEAST ONE FULL YEAR OF THE MORE INTENSIVE TRAININGS.
THEY'RE AVAILABLE TO US FOR TWO YEARS TO LOOK AT OUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
THE FIRST-YEAR, MORE INTENSIVELY, AND THE SECOND YEAR IS MORE OF A CHECK-IN.
THEN THE E-LEARNINGS ARE THINGS THAT WILL GO ON SO THAT PEOPLE WHO JOINED HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS ARE BROUGHT INTO THAT MODEL RIGHT AWAY.
>> WELL, I GET MY QUESTION OR CONCERN IS, I MEAN, WE'RE STARTING SOMETHING THAT WE'RE BEING PAID FOR WITH COVID DOLLARS OR SO TO SPEAK, AVAILABLE TODAY WITH NO EFFECT OF THE LEVY.
BUT SHOULD WE NOT GET COVID DOLLARS AND IN FUTURE YEARS, WILL THIS BE A CONTINUING PROGRAM OR JUST NO?
IF WE CONTINUED THE E-LEARNING THAT WOULD FALL UNDER HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STAFF DEVELOPMENT COSTS.
THE ACTUAL BULK OF ALL OF THE TRAINING THAT EXIST FROM THE BEGINNING IS ONE-TIME FUNDING THAT WE WOULD PAY FOR IT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF OUR COVID-19 RECOVERY FUNDS.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? QUESTIONS TO THE MOTION IN FRONT OF US? HEARING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL, SIR.
>> DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE FOR US, CASSIE?
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I WANT TO TURN THE MEETING OVER
[Public Works]
TO THE VICE-CHAIR TO INTRODUCE THIS WHOLE REPORT.ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR'S REPORT.
>> GOOD MORNING. MUCH MORE THAN JUST PENCILS IN HERE.
INCLUDING YOUR PACKETS, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN SUMMARY FOR THIS COMING YEAR.
THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT OF HOURS AND TIME SPENT ON DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES LAST YEAR.
SIMILARLY, A SNAPSHOT OF PLANNED HOURS AND EXPENSES GOING FORWARD FOR THIS YEAR.
THERE'S A COUPLE OF THINGS I'D LIKE TO COMMENT ON HERE THAT HAVE NOT BEEN IN PREVIOUS ONES OR THAT WE KNEW LAST YEAR.
NOXIOUS WEED VIOLATIONS YOU'LL SEE IN HERE.
THERE WAS A COUPLE OF FORM 1 SERVED AND THERE WAS SOME ENFORCEMENT ACTION TAKEN, MEANING [NOISE] ONE LANDOWNER, IRONICALLY AND ABSENTEE LANDOWNER ARE WHAT THE NOXIOUS WEED LAW WAS INTENDED FOR.
WE WENT THROUGH AND HAD TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR TO ERADICATE THE PROBLEM ON HIS PROPERTY AS HE WAS NOT WILLING TO.
THAT WAS SOMETHING NEW WE WORKED THROUGH AND THE MESSAGE WAS WELL-RECEIVED.
AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE, HE HAD CALLED AND SAID THAT HE WILL KEEP A LOT CLOSER EYE ON HIS PARCEL IN THE FUTURE.
A SUCCESS STORY OF USING THE ENFORCEMENT OPTION THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO US.
[00:35:01]
OTHERWISE, I HAVE A FEW OTHER AG-RELATED COMMENTS I'D LIKE TO BRING UP.>> IS IT ABOUT THE REPORT ITSELF?
>> NOT THE REPORT, JUST THE AG FUNDING AND POSITION AS A WHOLE.
>> WELL, THEN MAYBE WE'LL APPROVE THE REPORT FIRST IF THAT'S OKAY.
>> DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2022 ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN SUMMARY FOR 2023?
>> WE GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSIONS OR QUESTIONS FOR MR. HENRY? SEEING NONE, ALL IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> MOTION CARRIES. ALSO, I'D LIKE TO BRING UP, AND OVER THE PAST YEARS, THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY EIGENVECTORS HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSE WITH AMC AS WELL AS THE MDA TO TRY AND OBTAIN SOME TYPE OF FUNDING FOR THE AG INSPECTOR POSITION.
FOR YEARS IT'S GONE ON AS A STATE MANDATE WITHOUT STATE FUNDING.
OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, WE'VE BEEN [NOISE] WORKING WITH A FEW LEGISLATORS AND THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AG AND THE COMMISSIONER OF AG TO TRY AND COME UP WITH A WAY TO DO THIS.
LAST YEAR THERE WAS AN AUTHOR THAT WROTE A BILL IN THE HOUSE, BUT IT WAS NEVER HEARD IN THE SENATE.
THIS YEAR, THE AG INSPECTOR ASSOCIATION HAS ACTUALLY PARTNERED WITH AMC TO BECOME A AFFILIATE MEMBERS.
THEY DO PART-TIME LOBBYING FOR US.
WE'VE GOT A HOUSE FILE AND A SENATE FILE THAT BOTH OF THAT COMMITTEE HEARINGS AND AG INSPECTORS HAVE TESTIFIED THERE.
WE'RE OPTIMISTIC THAT THERE WILL BE SOME TYPE OF FUNDING PASSED DOWN FOR THIS POSITION.
THE WAY THE BILL IS WROTE RIGHT NOW IT WOULD BE A DOLLAR MILLION APPROPRIATED TO THE CAI POSITION SPREAD OVER THE STATE.
NOT EVERY COUNTY HAS AN AG INSPECTOR BUT MAJORITY DO.
IT WOULD COME DOWN TO ABOUT $10,000 A YEAR AND THE AG BUDGET IS ONLY $13,000 YEARS, SO NOT BIG DOLLAR AMOUNT BUT IMPACTFUL ON WHAT WE DO HERE.
WE'RE HOPEFUL THAT WE'LL PASS.
>> IT'S AMAZING HOW A MILLION DOLLARS I MEAN, OBVIOUSLY THEY'RE DIVIDING IT BY ACREAGE.
>> BY COUNTIES WITH AG INSPECTERS.
THERE'S CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AS FAR AS GOING TO SHORT-COURSE TRAINING, BEING AN ACTUAL MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION.
BUT YEAH, ONCE YOU BREAK IT DOWN AND IT ONLY COMES WITH 10,000 COUNTY, BUT [NOISE] IT'LL HELP.
ONE THING I'D MENTIONED TOO GOING BACK TO THE REPORT ON THE LAST PAGE, IT SHOWS THE AMOUNT OF DOLLARS SPENT ON NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL FROM THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.
THERE'S BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON THAT LAST YEAR.
IF THERE'S ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, THAT'S ALL I HAVE.
>> THANK YOU. MR. CHAIR, WE'RE UP TO PUBLIC WORKS.
ARE NOT SURE HOW THAT WORKS. PUBLIC SERVICES.
>> BEFORE YOU GO, DO YOU USUALLY ATTEMPT THE WEED DEAL IN FARGO, IS IT?
>> WELL THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAS WHAT'S CALLED A SHORT COURSE AND THAT ROTATES THROUGHOUT THE FOUR DISTRICTS IN THE STATE.
LAST YEAR IT WAS IN REDWOOD FALLS AND I WAS THERE AND NOW THIS YEAR, I BELIEVE IT'S IN DISTRICT 2, THAT'D BE THE NORTHWEST PORTION AND KRISTIN.
>> I HOPE TO GET A DETAILED REPORT TO FUTURE UNDER WHEAT DEAL [LAUGHTER].
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MR. VICE CHAIR, LET'S TURN TO OUR BLUE AGENDA ITEM.
>> GOOD MORNING, MR. BOARD MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND STAFF.
MY ITEM TODAY IS TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT NUMBER 3 TO MENDOTA AGREEMENT NUMBER 1045974 AND A CORRESPONDING RESOLUTION.
THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT THAT WAS ADOPTED IN PAST IS TO PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT OF PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES THAT THE COUNTY HAS BEEN UTILIZING TO DEVELOP THE PERMANENT REPAIRS FOR THE DISASTER PROJECT ON CAIRO 21.
AS WE HAVE GONE ALONG THIS PROCESS, THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES THAT HAVE POPPED UP THAT HAVE REQUIRED ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING FEES.
WE HAVE EXECUTED SEVERAL AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT AND WE'RE AT THE JUNCTURE HERE WHERE SOME ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING AND PERMITTING COSTS HAVE COME UP THAT HAVE INCREASED THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT COSTS FOR THE PROJECT.
[00:40:03]
THOSE ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING, PRELIMINARY AND COST ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 79,000.A MAJORITY OF THAT IS A PERMITTING FEE TO THE DNR FOR THREATENED ENDANGERED MUSSELS IN THE RIVER.
SINCE WE'RE GOING TO BE DOING RESTORATION WORK INTO THE RIVER, WE'RE GOING TO BE IMPACTING THOSE THREATENED ENDANGERED MUSSELS.
WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY A $25,000 MITIGATION FEE THAT WE WILL BE PAYING THE DNR FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THOSE MUSSELS IN THE PROJECT AREA.
WE ALSO HAD TO HIRE A MUSCLE CONSULTANT THAT HAD TO GO OUT AND ACTUALLY PUT DIVERS IN THE RIVER TO FIND MUSSELS AND BASED UPON THE DENSITY OF THE NUMBER OF MUSSELS THAT THEY FOUND, PUT US INTO THIS PERMITTING CATEGORY.
IN NUTSHELL, THAT'S THE REASON FOR THE INCREASED COSTS IN THE PRELIMINARY AND PERMITTING FEES FOR THIS PROJECT.
HERE TODAY AND ASK THE BOARD TO PROVE AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO THE MIDNIGHT AGREEMENT AND THE CORRESPONDING RESOLUTION.
I'M MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS MUSCLE QUESTIONS.
WHERE DO YOU BACK AND MONKEY FACE MUSSELS ARE THREAT ENDANGERED MUSSELS IN THE RIVER.
>> THIS IS LIKE THE RUSTY PATCHED BUMBLEBEE SITUATION?
>> OR IS IT RUSTY PATCH? WHATEVER.
>> YEAH. RUSTY PATCH. CORRECT.
>> YOU'VE HEARD OF THE RECOMMENDATION FROM OUR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.
IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT?
>> JUST SO I'M CLEAR, WE'RE SENDING ABOUT $25,000 TO THE DNR?
>> FOR A STUDY ON MUSSELS YOU'RE WORKING ON APPROXIMATELY WHAT? ABOUT A COUPLE OF HUNDRED YARDS OF THE MINNESOTA RIVER BANK.
THOSE ARE [OVERLAPPING] THE ONLY PLACE THESE MUSSELS LIVE?
>> NO, THEY'RE FOUND THROUGHOUT DIFFERENT TRIBUTARIES IN THE STATE.
BUT WHEN THEY DID THE MUSCLE SURVEY IN THE LOCATION OF THE PROJECT, THEY FOUND THE CONCENTRATION HIGH ENOUGH OF THESE PARTICULAR MUSSELS THAT IT HITS THE THRESHOLD THAT YOU HAVE TO MITIGATE FOR IMPACTS TO THOSE MUSSELS.
BUT THE $25,000 THAT WE PAY IS FOR THE DNR TO INVEST THOSE DOLLARS INTO ACTUALLY GROWING THESE ENDANGERED MUSSELS IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AND THEN THEY TAKE THEM IN AND PUT THEM BACK INTO THE TRIBUTARIES SEE IF THEY CAN GET IT.
>> BECAUSE WE WANT THE MUSSELS.
>> WELL, IT COULD BE WORSE. IT'S NOT A ZEBRA MUSSEL.
>> THEY BASICALLY SAY BE BAD IF THEY WERE IN A DIFFERENT MOTOR BODY BECAUSE THEN THEY MIGHT BE INVASIVE AND ANOTHER ONE.
>> THE OTHER CERTAINLY ENDANGERED BATS.
COURSE YOU'VE GOT THE BALD EAGLE.
WE WON'T HAVE THOSE ISSUES TO DEAL WITH. JUST THE MUSSELS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR MR. GREENWOOD? ARE THERE ANY OTHER COMMENTS TO THE MOTION THAT WE'RE DONE. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> NOW, I'LL JUST MAKE ONE COMMENT ON FUNDING 80% OF THESE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT COSTS WILL BE BORNE BY FEDERAL HIGHWAY.
THE OTHER 20% WILL COME FROM DPS, HOMELAND SECURITY, SAME STATE AGENCY THAT PROVIDES US OUR COST SHARE ON FEMA PROJECTS.
>> YOU HAVE ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR THE BOARD THIS MORNING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? THANK YOU. PUBLIC SERVICES, MS. COLVIN?
[Public Services]
>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
TODAY, I'LL BE ASKING THE BOARD TO CONSIDER APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH HOUSTON ENGINEERING FOR THE PROPOSAL OF THE MODERNIZATION OF OUR DRAINAGE RECORDS.
THE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO MODERNIZE OUR PROJECT ENCOMPASSES THE SCANNING OF THE NICOLLET COUNTY HISTORICAL PAPER DRAINAGE RECORDS INTO A PDF FORMAT, NAMING, CATEGORIZING THESE RECORDS,
[00:45:02]
AND IMPORTING THEM INTO NICOLLET COUNTY'S EXISTING DRAINAGE DB PROGRAM, WHICH IS CREATED THAT WE PURCHASED THROUGH HOUSTON ENGINEERING.IT'S THEIR PROGRAM AND NOW THEY'RE GOING TO BE SCANNING THE RECORDS.
WE'RE GOING TO BE REQUESTING THEY SCAN THE RECORDS INTO THAT PROGRAM.
THEY WILL CONVERT ALL THESE AND IMPORT THEM INTO A SUSTAINABLE FORMAT AND IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY TO STAFF, CONSULTANTS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
THEY'LL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC INTERNALLY AS WELL.
AS YOU RECALL, WE DID A SAMPLE, TWO DITCHES, TWO SYSTEMS AT THE END OF LAST YEAR THAT THEY HAVE COMPLETED.
WE'RE VERY HAPPY WITH HOW THEY DID THOSE, THE PROGRESS OF THEM, HOW QUICKLY THEY DID THEM.
NOW, THEY CAME DOWN, THEY DID A SITE VISIT TO LOOK AT ALL OF OUR DRAINAGE RECORDS TO GET AN IDEA OF HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE IN AN ESTIMATE COST.
THE AGREEMENT IS FOR NOT TO EXCEED 72,000.
THIS PROJECT WOULD BE FUNDED BY THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN.
I THINK IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND FALLS RIGHT INTO THE SCOPE OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN.
IT GETS US A HUGE PROJECT IN OUR OFFICE THAT CAN BE DONE PROFESSIONALLY AND PUT INTO THE PROGRAM.
IF WE WERE EVER TO GO THROUGH ANOTHER CRISIS, LIKE COVID AGAIN, WE WOULD HAVE ALL THESE DOCUMENTS ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE IF WE EVER WEREN'T HERE.
BUT EVEN IF IN NOT THAT SITUATION, THESE ARE DOCUMENTS THAT NEED TO GET OUT INTO THE PROGRAM.
WE'VE PURCHASED THE DRAINAGE DB PROGRAM.
WE'RE UTILIZING IT FOR OTHER PROCESSES, BUT WE NEED TO GET ALL OF OUR RECORDS INTO IT.
I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE THE FUNDS NOW TO DO THIS PROJECT AND TO GET IT DONE CORRECTLY.
HOUSTON IS ALSO EAGER TO GET STARTED SO THEY CAN GET THAT DONE.
I WOULDN'T ANTICIPATE IT A TIMELINE WOULD BE THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.
WE HAVE QUITE A LOT OF DITCHES AND DOCUMENTS TO GO THROUGH, BUT IT'S AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO USE SOME ARPA MONEY TO MODERNIZE OUR DITCH DRAINAGE RECORDS.
I WOULD BE ASKING THE BOARD TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE AGREEMENT AND WE CAN GET THAT TO THEM AND START THE PROJECT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
>> YOU'VE HEARD OF THE RECOMMENDATION FROM PROPERTY SERVICES DIRECTOR.
IS THERE A MOTION TO THE EFFECT? WE'VE HAD A CONVERSATION ABOUT THIS DURING WORKSHOP, IF YOU'LL RECALL.
>> MS. DRANTTEL HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW, QUESTIONS?
>> THE TWO DITCHES THAT ARE CURRENTLY UNDER DISCUSSION, THEY'LL BE PART OF THIS SAME COST IN THE FUTURE. THERE'S TWO DITCHES.
>> THOSE ARE ALREADY PAID FOR, SO THOSE ARE DONE.
>> THEN THEY LOOKED AT OUR REMAINING DOCUMENTS LEFT.
>> IT'S JUST GOING TO BE NICE TO HAVE ALL THAT ACCESSIBLE.
>> IT WILL BE. A LITTLE BIT FURTHER INTO IT.
IT ISN'T JUST A SCANNING PROGRAM, A SCANNING PROJECT THAT WE COULD MAYBE HIRE AN INTERN TO DO.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THESE DOCUMENTS AND WHERE THEY GO, HOW THEY GET CODED, HOW THEY GET GENERATED INTO THE SYSTEM.
LIKE I SAID, I'M EXCITED TO GET THIS GOING.
IT'S GOING TO BE VERY BENEFICIAL TO THE COUNTY.
THE SYSTEM IS NOT ONCE YOU BREAK IT DOWN THAT WAY.
>> WHERE IS HOUSTON ENGINEERING? ARE THEY IN THE TWIN CITIES?
>> THEY HAVE AN OFFICE IN THE CITIES THAT WE WOULD BE TAKING THESE DOCUMENTS TO, BUT THEIR MAIN OFFICE IS IN ST. CLOUD.
>> ARE YOU SEEING SOME OF YOUR FELLOW COUNTIES USING THIS GROUP TO MODERNIZE?
>> THEY ARE THE CREATORS OF THIS DRAINAGE DB PROGRAM.
IT IS, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE ONLY DRAINAGE RECORD RETENTION PROGRAM.
THEY SAW A NEED FOR THIS IN ALL COUNTIES AND GENERATED AND CREATED THIS PROGRAM.
I THINK WE GOT IT BACK IN 2014.
IT JUST IS IDEAL FOR THEM TO BE THE ONES TO OFFER THAT TO GET THOSE DOCUMENTS INTO THE PROGRAM ITSELF.
THERE REALLY ISN'T ANOTHER PROGRAM OUT THERE.
>> THE OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS FOR JACK KOLARS ON THIS EXPENDITURE.
HEARING DONE. PLEASE, CALL THE ROLL.
[00:50:01]
>> YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE FOR US TODAY?
>> A BIT LATER. MOVING FORWARD ON THE AGENDA.
COUNTY ATTORNEY MICHELLE ZEHNDER FISCHER. GOOD MORNING, MICHELLE.
[County Attorney]
>> GOOD MORNING, MR. CHAIR. TODAY I'M COMING BEFORE THE BOARD ON BEHALF OF THE WOMEN CELEBRATING WOMEN COMMITTEE.
MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AND I'M ASKING THE BOARD ONCE AGAIN TO DECLARE MARCH WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 28, THE 18TH ANNUAL WOMEN CELEBRATING WOMEN BANQUET WILL BE HELD AT GUSTAVUS TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
THIS YEAR'S THEME IS WOMEN WHO TELL OUR STORIES.
THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THE EVENT IS LOCAL AUTHOR RACHEL HANLE.
THE EVENT WILL ALSO RECOGNIZE A LOCAL WOMAN FOR HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
ON BEHALF OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE, I'M REQUESTING THAT THE COUNTY BOARD AGAIN PROCLAIM MARCH AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH IN NICOLLET COUNTY AND IF WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE PROPOSED PROCLAMATION.
>> WHEREAS DURING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, WE CELEBRATE THE MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE WOMEN IN NICOLLET COUNTY.
AND WHEREAS THE THEME OF THE 2023 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION IS WOMEN WHO TELL OUR STORIES AND WHEREAS MARCH 28, 2023, WOMEN CELEBRATING WOMEN EVENT WILL RECOGNIZE A LOCAL WOMAN WHO HAS PERSISTED IN TELLING THE STORIES OF WOMEN.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE NICOLLET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT THE MONTH OF MARCH 2023 BE DESIGNATED TO CELEBRATE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ALL WOMEN AND HEREBY PROCLAIMED AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH IN NICOLLET COUNTY WITH REPOSED SIGNED DATE OF MARCH 14TH OF 2023. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.
>> YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PROCLAMATION.
IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT?
>> COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER, DEHEN. I'VE SAID IT MANY TIMES, HERE IN NICOLLET COUNTY, WE HAVE WOMEN LEADERS.
THEY ARE IN THIS ROOM RIGHT HERE.
WE APPRECIATE YOU BRINGING THIS FORWARD TO US.
I ALSO JUST WONDER WHY WE CAN'T FUND THE WHOLE TABLE INSTEAD OF $200, $275.
>> HISTORICALLY, WE HAVEN'T PAID FOR THE FOOD PORTION SO THE $75 REPRESENTS THE FOOD, THE $200 PAYS FOR THE TABLE AND RECOGNITION OF THE TABLE ITSELF.
>> I SEE. WELL, THAT CLARIFIES IT.
>> WHILE WE HAVE A TABLE, THE INDIVIDUALS THAT SIT AT THAT TABLE PAY FOR THEIR OWN MEALS.
>> VERY GOOD. I THINK WE'RE ALL IN FAVOR OF THIS, BUT LET'S CALL THE ROLL.
>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. I ASSUME THAT THEN INCLUDES THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE TABLE FOR THE $200.
> I WILL GET THAT SUBMITTED. THANK YOU.
>> YOU DON'T HAVE TO MOVE BECAUSE I THINK YOU'RE
[County Attorney Update]
NEXT ON THE AGENDA FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY UPDATE.IF YOU ARE PREPARED TO GIVE YOUR REPORT FROM THERE?
>> I WILL TRY TO RECALL WHAT'S ON MY NOTES.
[LAUGHTER] FOR THE MOST PART, SINCE THE LAST MEETING, IT'S BEEN BUSINESS AS USUAL WITHIN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
I WANT TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS OF ALL PROFESSIONS IS TO HELP GIVE SKILLS AND INTEREST TO STUDENTS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN GOING INTO THE PROFESSION.
I'M PLEASED TO INDICATE THAT THE ST. PETER MOCK TRIAL TEAM, I HAD ANOTHER TRIP TO STATE THIS YEAR.
SEVERAL OF THE PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED OR AT LEAST ONE RECEIVED A RECOGNITION ON AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL.
JIM DAN, MY CHIEF DEPUTY HAS BEEN A LONGTIME COACH OF THAT TEAM.
I GIVE GRATITUDE FOR HIS WORK AS WELL AS ALL OF THE SCHOOL FOR SUPPORTING THEIR GROUP INTO THE TEAM OF HARD WORK.
THEY HAVE TO LEARN THE RULES OF EVIDENCE.
THEY HAVE TO LEARN TO PRESENT CASES, AND IT TAKES A WHOLE SEMESTER OF LAW SCHOOL FOR US TO LEARN THE RULES OF EVIDENCE AND THOSE KIDS HAVE REALLY LEARN ALL OF THOSE RULES WHEN THEY PARTICIPATE IN THE MOCK TRIAL PROGRAM.
I ALSO, AS INDICATED BY THE PROCLAMATION, MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.
I WAS FORTUNATE TO ATTEND A LEADERSHIP EVENT WITH ADMINISTRATOR LANDKAMER AND MS. COPIT AND ALSO ATTENDED A FUNDRAISER FOR GUSTAVUS WITH MS. LARSON AND MS. SANDBERG.
[00:55:01]
UNLESS THE BOARD HAS ANY QUESTIONS, THAT'S MY UPDATE FOR THIS MEETING. THANK YOU.>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY?
>> I HAVE A QUESTION. MR. CHAIR, YOU DO REALIZE THAT WE HAVE A 2023 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION HONOREE SPEAKING TO US TODAY.
MS. FISCHER RECEIVED, THIS IS FROM THE YWCA.
>> 2023 WOMEN THAT DISTINCTION, HONOREE, A VERY NICE WRITE-UP ON THE YWCA WEBSITE, AND I THINK WE SHOULD ALL CONGRATULATE HER ON THE RECOGNITION FOR A WONDERFUL WORK.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU.
>> THANKS, COMMISSIONER. APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU, MICHELLE.
>> WELL, WE'LL START WITH COMMISSIONERS REPORTS IF THE BOARD
[Commissioner Committee Reports]
WILL ALLOW ME TO GO LAST YEAR AND WE'LL START WITH ZINNS.>> I ATTENDED THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD MEETING AND ALSO ATTENDED THE NICOLLET COUNTY EXTENSION MEETING WITH YOU, JACK. THAT'S ALL I HAD.
>> [NOISE] I ATTENDED LAND-USE TRAINING, I ATTENDED THE GREATER MANKATO GROWTH ANNUAL MEETING AND AN AWCA MEETING, I ATTENDED THE READING MEETING.
I DID SPEND SOME TIME LAST THURSDAY LOBBYING UP AT THE STATE CAPITAL WITH OUR LEGISLATORS FORCE AND THE COUNTY ISSUES AS WELL AS SOME OTHER ISSUES I WAS WORKING OUT FOR THE CITY OF NORTH MANKATO AND THE CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION.
THEN I HAD A SHACK REPRESENTATIVES CAME DOWN AND SPENT A COUPLE HOURS WITH ME LAST FRIDAY.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER MORROW?
>> WE MET WITH ST. PETER LIAISON.
NICOLLET COUNTY CORRECTIONS, SPOKE TO GREATER MANKATO GROWTH, A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, NICOLLET COUNTY COLLABORATIVE, EXCUSE ME.
THE COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD EXECUTIVE MEETING CONNECTING NICOLLET COUNTY, WE'RE UNITED, I GUESS, AND THEN HIGHWAY 169 COALITION.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER, DRANTTEL?
>> I ALSO ATTENDED THE LIAISON MEETING WITH THE CITY OF ST. PETER, I NEED TO REMIND YOU WHAT ALL OF THE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FOR HIGHWAY 22 TOMORROW EVENING?
>> FORTY SEVEN THERE IS ALSO AN ONLINE SURVEY.
LOTS OF POTHOLES ATTENDED UNION NEGOTIATIONS LAST WEEK, ATTENDED THE BROWN LIQUID COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD MEETING.
YESTERDAY I WATCHED THE ONE WATER ONE PLAN WATERSHED THROUGH BOWSER AND BE IT REMISS OUR CHAIR HAD A BIRTHDAY THIS WEEKEND, AND WE DID NOT CELEBRATE WITH CAKE AND COOKIES TODAY, BUT WE MIGHT HAVE TO SURPRISE JACK SOME OTHER DAY, AND THAT WOULD BE IT, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK.
MY MEETING REPORT INCLUDES AREA TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
[Chair’s Report]
THERE'S A LOT OF WORK IN THAT AREA.COMMISSIONER ZINNS AND I WROTE THE EXTENSION MEETING, COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL AND I ON THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
ANOTHER ATP SEVEN MEETING AREA TRANSPORTATION.
WE HAD A REALLY GOOD GROUP OF THE CONNECT NICOLLET COUNTY MEETING THE OTHER DAY, JACKIE COPPA WITH DAVE AND CASSIE AND MICHELLE WERE THERE FOR A GOOD DISCUSSION AND A LIVELY GROUP, I THOUGHT.
MIKE MENTIONED ON ONE OF THE AREA TRANSPORTATION ITEMS, TRANSPORTATION TAXES ARE DOWN, WHICH MEANS THAT REVENUES WILL BE DECREASING AND IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THERE'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF MOVEMENT OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE OTHER THAN PROBABLY TAB FEES GOING UP, MAYBE BY 10 BUCKS ON NEWER CARS.
THERE WON'T BE FUNDING HOLES AND TRANSPORTATION JUST LIKE THE HOLES THAT WE SEE IN OUR STREETS ALL OVER IN THE SPRING OF 2023.
THE HYBRIDS 93 FLOOD WALL NEAR HENDERSON WILL START IN 2024 AT A $34 MILLION INVESTMENT THEY RAISING THE ROAD AS MUCH AS EIGHT FT TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE WATER MOVING FORWARD.
WHAT WE CONTINUE TO WORK FORWARD ARE SHARING CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND SUCCESSES AS AN AREA OF TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP CONTINUE TO WORK IN THAT DIRECTION.
[01:00:08]
COMMISSIONER MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES,[Commissioner Meetings & Conferences]
I KNOW THAT SOME OF US ARE HEADING TO THE LEADERSHIP CONVENTION, ON AMC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IN NESWAH AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.IF YOU HAVEN'T YET HAD A CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THAT, PLEASE CONTACT SARAH AND SHE CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS MANDY THAT YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE THE BOARD AWARE ABOUT MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES?
>> I'LL TOO HAVING UPCOMING JOINT MEETING WITH LE SUEUR COUNTY AND NICOLLET COUNTY AT THE END OF THE MONTH, MARCH 28.
>> THAT WILL BE HELD ACROSS THE RIVER AT THE RESTAURANT?
>> I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL OF US TO AFTER THIS MEETING IS DONE, THAT'S WHERE WE SIT, LIKE WE MET WITH BLUE EARTH COUNTY BEFORE JUST TO GET TO KNOW OUR FELLOW COLLEAGUES OVER IN THE MISSOURI COUNTY AND HAVE LUNCH AND SHARE IDEAS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CHALLENGES.
I WOULD INVITE A MOTION TO APPROVE FOR DMS AND EXPENSES.
[Approve Per Diems and Expenses]
>> COMMISSIONER ZINNS HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> COMMISSIONER, DAN. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> THOSE OPPOSED. IT CARRIES. WE'RE NOW ADJOURNING.
>> JUST ONE SECOND, I JUST LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE WELCOME SIGN THAT WAS PUT UP IN HHS AND TO THANK MS. LANDKAMER, MS. SANDBERG AND EVERYONE [NOISE] INVOLVED IN THAT PROJECT.
>> WERE THE LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN THERE?
>> ANY OTHER ITEMS BEFORE BOARD BEFORE WE ADJOURN? WE WILL ADJOURN THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AND CALL THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MEETING TO ORDER.
[Call Drainage Authority Meeting to Order: Chair]
MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA, PLEASE.>> COMMISSIONER DAN HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> THOSE OPPOSED. IT CARRIERS.
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND.
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW. FAVOR SAY AYE.
ANY PUBLIC APPEARANCES ON THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY? ANYONE WISH TO MAKE YOUR PUBLIC APPEARANCE? IF NOT, WE ARE TIMED OUT PERFECTLY.
THANK YOU. WE HAVE CONTINUED CD 79 PUBLIC HEARING.
>> GOOD MORNING AGAIN, MR. CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
TODAY WE'RE HERE AGAIN TO CONTINUE THE CLOSING OF COUNTY DITCH 79.
I'LL DO A LITTLE RECAP AS IT'S BEEN A LONG PROCESS UNTIL WE GOT HERE TODAY.
ON DECEMBER 17TH, 2019 THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY ACCEPTED THE FINAL ENGINEER'S REPORT AND VIEWERS REPORT FOR THE DETERMINATION PERTAINING TO THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ACCOUNTING DITCH 79.
ON APRIL 28TH, 2020, THE CONSTRUCTION BID WAS AWARDED TO MALINO CONSTRUCTION, LLC.
ON DECEMBER 7TH, 2021, ISG, THE ENGINEER ON THE PROJECT HAS SUBMITTED THEIR FINAL ACCEPTANCE REPORT TO THE PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ON FEBRUARY 8TH, 2022, A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD, DURING THAT MEETING, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ADDITIONAL WORK NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED ON THE QUARTUS PROPERTY.
THE ORIGINAL MEETING WAS RECESSED UNTIL JUNE 28TH, 2022.
ON THAT DATE, THE BOARD MADE A MOTION TO PAY MALINO TRUCKING IN FULL AND THEN BY MOTION, IT WAS APPROVED TO KEEP THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT OPEN AND ASK ISG FOR A PROPOSAL ON THE ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL EXPENSES TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT ON THE QUARTUS PROPERTY.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED OR WAS RECESSED, CONTINUED, UNTIL JULY 26, 22 WHERE THE BOARD APPROVED ISG MEMO DATED JULY 20TH, '22 FOR THE ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES AND COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
NOW WE ARE AT JANUARY 25TH, 2023 ISG SUBMITTED THE FINAL CLOSE OUT REPORT AND IS RECOMMENDING THE CLOSEOUT OF THE PROJECT AS ALL ADDITIONAL WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE PURPOSE OF TODAY'S HEARING IS FOR THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT TO CLOSE OUT THIS PROJECT AND IF YOU DO APPROVE TO BE TO CLOSE THIS PROJECT DEBT, I'LL ALSO BE ASKING YOU TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE LEVY TO THE LANDOWNERS FOR THIS PROJECT.
NOTICE FOR THIS MEETING WAS GIVEN AND IT WAS MAILED TO ALL LANDOWNERS ON MARCH 1ST, 2023.
>> THANK YOU, JACKIE. WE HAVE REOPENED THIS PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE CD 79, FINAL ACCEPTANCE AND LEVY OF THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO CALL MR. DRANTTEL FORWARD?
[01:05:01]
THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING.>> GOOD MORNING. I DON'T HAVE A LOT TO ADD.
JACKIE SUMMARIZED EVERYTHING PRETTY WELL.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE REPORT THAT WAS SUBMITTED, THE VERY LAST PAGE HAS PICTURES OF THE WORK THAT WAS COMPLETED LAST SUMMER AND LAST FALL AFTER THE SUMMER, AFTER THE JULY HEARING.
MR. CORTEZ WAS OUT THERE AND ACCORDING TO OUR STAFF, WAS HAPPY WITH WHAT WAS COMPLETED.
GRASS DID START TO GROW, IT WAS VERY DRY THERE MIGHT BE SOME MONITORING OF THAT IN THE FUTURE JUST TO SEE HOW THAT COMES IN JUST BECAUSE WE PLANTED THAT AREA, GRADED IT DURING A DROUGHT TIME.
BUT OTHER THAN THAT, ALL THE WORK IS COMPLETED, WE WOULD RECOMMEND ACCEPTING THE REPORT AND WITH THAT AND APPROVING THE PROJECT, THE NEW ALIGNMENT OF THE DITCH WOULD BECOME THE LEGAL ALIGNMENT OF THE DITCH SYSTEM AND I BELIEVE WE DID INCLUDE DAMAGES IN THE REPORT.
THOSE DAMAGES, IF THEY HAVEN'T BEEN PAID, COULD BE PAID AND THE AS-BUILT FOR THE PROJECT WOULD BECOME THE NEW LEGAL GRADE FOR THIS PORTION OF THE PROJECT, WE REDID THE OUTLET OF THE SYSTEM.
THERE ARE MORE PICTURES IN THE REPORT, IF YOU'D LIKE ME TO GO THROUGH THOSE, I SURE CAN.
I DON T KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY LANDOWNERS HERE FOR HER TESTIMONY, SO I'LL JUST STOP AT THAT POINT AND RECOMMEND THAT WE RECOMMEND ACCEPTING THE CONTRACT OR ACCEPTING THE PROJECT.
I'LL NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING PORTION OF THE MEETING, INVITING ANYONE TO COMMENT IF THEY WISH.
ARE THERE ANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC? JACKIE IS GOING TO COME FORWARD.
IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMUNICATIONS?
>> I DO HAVE ONE COMMENT THAT MR. CORTEZ HAS CONTACTED ME, HE'S UNABLE TO BE AT THIS MEETING.
HE IS IN FULL SUPPORT OF CLOSING THIS PROJECT AND HE HAS NO CONCERNS IN HE'S HAPPY WITH THE WORK.
>> WHERE IS MALNO FROM? IS THAT A WATERFALL OUTLET OR IS THAT A DIFFERENT PLACE RUIN?
>> WELL, I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER. THEY ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF BUSINESS AS FAR AS I'M AWARE.
>> BUT WE CLOSED OUT THAT CONTRACT.
WE'VE PAID THEM SO THERE'S NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BE PAID.
WE KEPT THE PROJECT OPEN FOR THE ADDITIONAL WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE THAT MALNO WASN'T A PART OF.
>> WE NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PROJECT.
>> YES. BUT I THINK WE'RE STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT.
>> WE'RE STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT, PERIOD [INAUDIBLE].
>> OKAY. ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT WISH TO COME FORWARD AND TO TESTIFY HERE TODAY?
>> I'M JUST CURIOUS [INAUDIBLE].
WE CAN'T HEAR YOU OR AT LEAST I CAN.
STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PLEASE.
I'M ONE OF THE LANDOWNERS AND I'M JUST CURIOUS, WHO DID YOU GET TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT?
>> GROUND WORKS CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED THE PROJECT, AND THAT WORK HAS ALL BEEN PAID FOR AND THERE WAS NO CHARGE TO THE SYSTEM.
>> THANK YOU MA'AM. ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS AT THIS TIME? ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS? ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS? HEARING NONE WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION.
IF THE BOARD IS COMFORTABLE MOVING AHEAD WITH THE FINAL ACCEPTANCE, THE CHAIR IS ASKING THAT VINTAGE AUTHORITY FOR THE FOLLOWING MOTION TO ACCEPT THE FINAL ACCEPTANCE REPORT PRESENTED BY ISG AND DIRECT OUR PROPERTY PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE FINDINGS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE NEXT DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MEETING.
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> REGARDING, YOU SAID THAT THE GROUND WORKS FINISHED THE PROJECT, BUT THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE LANDOWNERS.
>> ISG PAID THEM TO COME IN AND DO
[01:10:03]
THE MINOR GRADING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CLOSE OUT THE PROJECT.>> IT'S CURIOUS HOW THAT CAME ABOUT.
>> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS TO THE MOTION IN FRONT OF US? PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
>> THANK YOU. SINCE THE PROJECT HAS BEEN APPROVED TO BE CLOSED OUT, I WOULD ASK FOR APPROVAL TO CONSIDER THE LEVY FOR THE PROJECT TO THE LANDOWNERS.
THE TOTAL LEVY WOULD BE $244,293 AND 11 CENTS.
IT'S COMPRISED OF THE ACTUAL IMPROVEMENT COST, GENERAL MAINTENANCE SINCE THE LAST LEVY, AND A FUTURE REPAIR FUND OF 10,000 TO PUT A LITTLE CUSHION INTO THAT ACCOUNT.
ALL LANDOWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF WHAT THEIR PROPOSED LEVY WOULD BE.
THE TERMS OF THAT WOULD BE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TILL APRIL 30TH, 2023 TO PAY THAT ASSESSMENT IN FULL OR THEY WILL BE [NOISE] CHARGED 4% ANNUAL INTEREST RATE BEGINNING MAY 1ST AND CONSIDER THE TIMING OF THIS.
IT WOULD GO ON THE 2024 TAX ROLLS, BUT IT WOULD START ACCRUING INTEREST ON MAY 1ST.
UP TO 7,500 WOULD BE A FIVE-YEAR ASSESSMENT AND OVER 7,500 WOULD BE A 10-YEAR ASSESSMENT BASED ON THE AMOUNTS THAT THE LANDOWNERS ARE ASSESSED.
WHAT I'M ASKING FOR TODAY IS BY A MOTION APPROVAL OF THE $244,293 AND 11 CENTS AND THE TERMS OF 4% ANNUAL INTEREST RATE BEGINNING MAY 1ST AND THE 7,500 FOR FIVE YEARS AND IT'S OVER 7,500 FOR 10 YEARS AND THEN I WOULD PRESENT FINDINGS, FORMAL FINDINGS FOR THAT AS WELL AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING OR DRAINAGE AT 30 MEETING.
>> YOU WOULD SEE THE PROPOSED LEVY ORDER ON PAGE 266 OF YOUR AGENDA PACKET? IS THERE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT?
>> COMMISSIONER DEHEN HAS MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND.?
>> COMMISSIONER DRANTTEL. DISCUSSION?
>> THE 4% INTEREST RATE IS SET BY STATUTE, CORRECT?
>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS TO THE MOTION IN FRONT OF US? HEARING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL SARAH.
>> YES, IT CARRIES. THANK YOU.
>> DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE FOR US?
>> I DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE.
>> THE PUBLIC HEARING CAN BE CLOSED.
[BACKGROUND] COUNTY ATTORNEY MICHELLE ZEHNDER FISCHER, DO YOU HAVE AN ITEM TO BRING BEFORE THE BOARD HERE TODAY?
>> THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY I MEAN.
>> I HAVE BEFORE YOU TODAY IN YOUR PACKET A REQUEST THAT THE BOARD AUTHORIZE THE SIGNATURE OF A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REGARDING THE CONTRACT CLOSE OUT ON 86A, THE BOARD HAS ALREADY ACTED TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT.
THIS IS JUST THE FINAL STAGE OF APPROVING A WRITTEN SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.
THIS WAS PRESENTED TO ME BY ATTORNEY ROGER JUSTIN, SO I'M ASKING FOR THE BOARD TO TAKE ACTION TO APPROVE SIGNING THAT AGREEMENT BY THE CHAIR. THANK YOU.
>> YOU SEE THE INFORMATION PRESENTED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, PAGES 267 THROUGH 272 ON THE [INAUDIBLE] ISSUE.
>> COMMISSIONER MORROW, COMMISSIONER DAN MOVED AND SECONDED DISCUSSION ON THIS ITEM.
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.
THIS WILL BRING US TO A CLOSE.
>> THIS PORTION. HEARING NO FURTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS, SARAH, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
[01:15:02]
ANY OTHER ITEMS TO COME BEFORE THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY THIS MORNING? SEEING NONE, HEARING NONE, WE ARE ADJOURNED. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.