CHISAGO COUNTY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

 

            The Chisago County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2005 in the Board Room of the Government Center with the following Commissioners present:  Montzka, Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen, Robinson.  Absent:  None

 

            The Chair called the meeting to order and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

On motion of Robinson, seconded by Olseen and carried unanimously the Board moved to approve the Agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting as presented.

 

            At 9:02 a.m. the Chair relinquished the gavel to Vice Chair Robinson, who presided over the monthly meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee of the Whole.  HHS Director David Sainio, Social Services Director Liz Hanson and Public Health Director Bette Friederichs presented the agenda for the day.  The Committee adjourned at 10:02 a.m.

 

            Angela Theisen, Bill Zeller and Mary Redfield with Central MN Jobs & Training met with the Board to review their Annual Report.  They also requested support from the Board through the legislature in reinstating Minnesota Youth Program (MYP) funding.  No action was taken at this time.

 

            Bob Goede, Account Executive with MCIT presented and outlined the 2005 Member Report for Chisago County.

 

            Water Planner Mary Schmitz updated the Board on the ISTS Grant the county received for starting a Septic Pilot Program to fix septic systems.  Chisago County was one of three counties to be awarded the grant.  The program will officially launch in April with additional information to follow in the Environmental Newsletter.

 

            Sheriff Todd Rivard and Jail Administrator Brandon Thyen provided a jail update and sought direction from the Board on how to proceed with the process.

 

            Commissioner Olseen offered a motion as follows: 

1.)      Direct the Sheriff to continue planning for a Jail/Justice Center.

2.)      Direct the Sheriff to work with the Facilities Task Force and meet with Center City on future land acquisition/annexation issues.

3.)      Direct staff to send a letter to our State Representatives and Senator to carry legislation supporting housing a Jail/Justice Center outside of the county seat.

            Motion seconded by Montzka and upon a vote being taken thereon, the motion carried as follows:  IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Montzka, Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen   OPPOSED:  Robinson.

                                                                                      

            Commissioner Montzka offered a motion to reconsider the vote on the motion just passed.  The motion died for lack of a second.

 

            Bob Voss and Pat Oman with East Central Regional Development Commission met with the County Board to discuss matters concerning economic development.

 

RESOLUTION  NO. 050323-1

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGY PLAN (CEDS)

 

            WHEREAS, the East Central Regional Development Commission (ECRDC) and the five counties included in Region 7E are designated by the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) as an approved economic development district of the EDA; and

 

            WHEREAS, the ECRDC is responsible for developing and maintaining an economic development plan, the CEDS, for the District which is approved by the EDA and keeps the District an approved District of the EDA; and

 

            WHEREAS, as a designed District of the EDA, the ECRDC is responsible for planning for the economic expansion of the area and providing technical assistance to local units of government, business and industry to assist in business expansion which results in maintaining current jobs and in the creation of new jobs; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Chisago County Board of Commissioners supports the economic development expansion of the county.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chisago County Board of Commissioners supports the strategies for economic development outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Plan of the District and continued designation of the ECRDC as an approved District of the Economic Development Administration.

 

            Commissioner Montzka seconded the resolution and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted:

            IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Montzka, Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen, Robinson

            OPPOSED:  None

 

Whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.

Commissioner Robinson offered a motion to approve the Administrator’s Consent Agenda as presented.  Motion seconded by Olseen.  Commissioner Montzka offered a friendly amendment:  to pull Item B and Item D for discussion and a separate vote.  Commissioner Schultz offered a second friendly amendment:  to pull Item E for discussion and a separate vote.  Both friendly amendments were accepted by the motion maker and second.  Upon a vote being taken thereon, the motion carried unanimously and the Administrator’s Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

 

A.        Authorize Payment of Commissioners Warrants and Misc. Bills

 

B.         Approve Minutes of March 16, 2005 Meeting

 

C.        Personnel Actions:  Approve step increase after completion of performance review for:  Jacqueline Genung, Collection Case Aide, HHS, Gr. 16-6 to Gr. 16-7, effective 04/30/2005.  Approve promotion for:  Keith Hoppe, Lieutenant to Captain, Sheriff, Gr. 27-10 to Gr. 29-10, effective 04/01/2005; Janet Cartier, Office Support Specialist to Office Support Specialist/Dept Liaison, HHS, Gr. 12-4 to Gr. 13-6, effective 03/14/2005.

 

D.        Approve Bills as follows:

            1.  State of MN, Election Legal Fees, $1,556.10

            2.  State of MN, Election Legal Fees, $67.50

 

E.         Approval for Public Works to Enter into Contract with WSB & Associates;  Review and Analysis of the Intersection at TH 95 & CSAH 30 in the City of North Branch

 

F.                  Approve Submission of Grant Applications for Court Services as follows:

1.      Remote Electronic Alcohol Monitoring Grant Funds; FY2006-FY2007;      $19,184.00/yr

2.      Caseload/Workload Reduction Grant Funds; FY 2006-FY2007; $62,754.00/yr

 

G.                 Resolution Establishing the County Coroner’s Fee Schedule

 

H.        Resolution Authorizing Juvenile Substance Abuse Court to Apply for SAMSHA Grant TI-05-005

 

I.          Approve Abatement Request for:

1.      Daniel Otterson; 19.00162.148; Disaster Credit; Payable 2003 & 2004

 

ESTABLISHING THE COUNTY CORONER'S FEE SCHEDULE

 

            WHEREAS, Chisago County has a statutory obligation pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 390 to provide and equip a public morgue and to allow the reasonable and necessary expenses of the coroner or deputies incurred for their official business; and

 

            WHEREAS, Chisago County has entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with Carver County, Scott County, Dakota County, Fillmore County, Goodhue County, Houston County, for the purpose of contracting for morgue and coroner support services in a more cost effective manner; and

 

            WHEREAS, In accordance with this Joint Powers Agreement a contract has been entered into with Regina Medical Center to provide these morgue and coroner support services; and

 

            WHEREAS, Regina has requested that Chisago County establish user fees for certain services and supplies consistent with those established by other participating counties; and

 

            WHEREAS, These user fees will be credited as a revenue item that will serve to offset the County expenses for the morgue and coroner support services;

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners in and for the County of Chisago hereby establishes the following fee scheduled for the County Coroner:

 

Cremation Approval                 $35.00

Civil Attorney Conference         $250.00/hour ($250.00 minimum)

Body Bag Reimbursement         $11.00/bag

Photocopies                             $1.07/page -- $14.02/pull

Body Storage                           $50.00/body

Copies of Autopsy Photos        $5.00/disk (CD ROM)

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Regina is authorized to collect the Coroner fees and use them as a revenue item to offset the County expenses for morgue and coroner support services.

 

            BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the County Coroner fees shall be incorporated into and become a part of Chisago County's comprehensive fee schedule.

AUTHORIZING JUVENILE SUBSTANCE ABUSE COURT

TO APPLY FOR SAMSHA GRANT TI-05-005

 

            WHEREAS, the Chisago County Juvenile Drug Court Team comprised of:  Judge Robert Rancourt; Judge John McBride; Kelli Jasper, Judicial Law Clerk; Beverly C. Roche LSW, Drug Court Coordinator; Steven Paquay and Gary Wood, Court Services; Susan Drabek, County Attorney’s Office; Kathleen Karnowski, Court Administration; Renee Martini, HHS; Attorney Peter Grundhoefer; Vonnie Vader, Chisago Lakes Area Schools; and Tim Tougas, Lakes Area Police Department is meeting weekly to facilitate the implementation of a Juvenile Drug Court in Chisago County; and

    

            WHEREAS, the Juvenile Substance Abuse Court has already successfully received a $99,859.90 grant from the Office of Justice Programs, Edward Bryne Grant, November 1, 2004; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Juvenile Substance Abuse Court requests permission to submit for a grant up to $400,000 for a period of one year with no county match required; and

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chisago County Board of Commissioners authorizes the submission of a Juvenile Substance Abuse Courts Grant TI-05-005, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, (hereafter known as SAMSHA) by April 15, 2005.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Chisago County Public Health will provide a Public Health Impact statement to appropriate local and State agencies by April 15, 2005.

            Commissioner Montzka offered a motion to approve the minutes from the March 16, 2005 meeting with the following change:  record Commissioner Olseen as tardy and not absent.  Motion seconded by Olseen and, upon a vote being taken thereon, the motion failed as follows:  IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Montzka   OPPOSED:  Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen, Robinson.

 

            Commissioner Olseen offered a motion to approve the minutes from the March 16, 2005 meeting as presented.  Motion seconded by Schultz and, upon a vote being taken thereon, the motion carried as follows:  IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen, Robinson   OPPOSED:  Montzka.

 

            Commissioner Robinson offered a motion to approve payment of the following bills:   State of MN, Election Legal Fees, $1,556.10; State of MN, Election Legal Fees, $67.50.  Motion seconded by Olseen and, upon a vote being taken thereon, the motion carried as follows:  IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen, Robinson   OPPOSED:  Montzka.

 

            Commissioner Robinson offered a motion to recess the meeting until 3:00 p.m. or until such time that the scheduled work session is completed.  The motion died for lack of a second.

           

            On motion of Olseen, seconded by Schultz and carried unanimously the Board rescinded their approval made on March 16, 2005 that granted final approval to the plat of Jones Shores, 1 lot, Chisago Lake Township, Sec. 16, T.33, R.20.

 

 

RESOLUTION  NO. 050323-4

IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE

ONANEGOZIE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND

DEVELOPMENT (RC&D) COUNCIL

 

            WHEREAS, the Onanegozie RC&D Council was incorporated in September 1968; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Onanegozie RC&D Council works to enhance the quality of life by facilitating the development of local economic and natural resources for 183,216 residents of Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine Counties; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Onanegozie RC&D Council completed 20 projects in 2004; and

 

            WHEREAS, these projects totaled $2,610,697 towards the local economic and natural resources in the above mentioned seven counties; and

 

            WHEREAS, the President’s budget has proposed to eliminate funding to all RC&D’s over 20 years old, regardless of accomplishments; and

 

            WHEREAS, Onanegozie RC&D is 36 years old and is among the 4 RC&D’s in Minnesota that will be eliminated under the President’s budget.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

 

SECTION 1:  That Chisago County urges the President and the Congress of the United States reinstate funding to all Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils under the proposed President’s 2006 budget.

 

SECTION 2:  That Chisago County urges the President and Congress of the United States to work with the RC&D to develop a more efficient assessment tool than the PART assessment to better record the accomplishments of the Resource Conservation and Development Program.

 

SECTION 3:  That Chisago County urges the President and Congress of the United States to recognize that Resource Conservation and Development Councils play an important role in rural development and natural resource conservation and is an efficient use of government funds.

 

SECTION 4:  That Chisago County supports full funding for the Onanegozie Resource Conservation Development Council and recognizes the important role that the Resource Conservation and Development Councils play in economic development, natural resource management, and renewable energy for the residents of Minnesota.

 

            Commissioner Olseen seconded the resolution and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted:

            IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Montzka, Schultz, Gustafson, Olseen, Robinson

            OPPOSED:  None

 

Whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.

            On motion of Robinson, seconded by Olseen and carried unanimously the Board approved the acquisition of an updated playground structure for Fish Lake Park in the amount of $35,964.79; said funds are payable from the Fish Lake Township Land Acquisition & Development Fund.

 

RESOLUTION  NO. 050323-5

HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF SHERIFF’S

CAPTAIN DOUG SAMPSON UPON HIS RETIREMENT

 

            WHEREAS,  Doug Sampson has served the citizens of this county for over 30 years in the Sheriff’s Department in a variety of positions, including Deputy, Investigator, Lieutenant; Supervisor (without even being assigned to the Jail) and finally Captain; and

 

            WHEREAS, this versatile man has watched the comings and goings of four different Sheriffs and numerous fellow deputies; this staying power is a testament to Doug’s ability to maintain proper perspective on the true calling of a peace officer: “To Protect and To Serve”; and

 

            WHEREAS, Doug has over the years developed a certain fondness for a lunch of tater tot hot dish; and

 

            WHEREAS, this outdoors man has worked extensively not with processing his own deer, but with processing paperwork for the counties insurance company as another deputy radios in and says, “I HIT A DEER” bringing the total on Doug’s watch to approximately 150 squad cars totaled by deer; and

 

            WHEREAS, Doug himself has taken the place of a squad the week before deer opener in 2003 as he tangled with a buck caught in the guy line from the deer feeder (too bad the camera was dropped and there’s no pictures); and

 

            WHEREAS, Doug now seeks the many pleasures of his cabin on Nokay Lake;

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chisago County Board of Commissioners hereby offers to Captain Doug Sampson its gratitude for the dedicated service he has provided to the county and our citizens; Doug has brought honor upon the profession and his fellow officers;

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in honor of his retirement the Board declares Thursday, March 31, 2005 to be “Doug Sampson Day” throughout Chisago County.

 

            Commissioner Olseen seconded the resolution and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted:

            IN FAVOR THEREOF:  Montzka, Schultz, Robinson, Olseen, Robinson

            OPPOSED:  None

 

Whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.

 

            Several Commissioners offered reports of their respective committee assignments.

 

            On motion of Robinson, seconded by Montzka and carried unanimously the Board adjourned at 12:09 p.m.

 

 

______________________________

Bob Gustafson, Chair

 

 

Attest:___________________________

DeAnna M. Lilienthal

Clerk, County Board