APPROVED MINUTES OF THE
DODGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING HELD AUGUST 28, 2018
Vice Chair
Convene County Board Meeting
The Dodge County Commissioners met in regular session August 28, 2018, in the County Board Room at the Dodge County Government Services Building, Mantorville, MN, at 5:00 p.m. Vice Chair John Allen called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
Call to Order
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
John Allen District 1 Present 5:00 PM
Tim Tjosaas District 2 Present 5:00 PM
Rodney Peterson District 3 Absent
Rhonda Toquam District 4 Present 5:00 PM
David Kenworthy District 5 Present 5:00 PM
Others present:
Jim Elmquist County Administrator Becky Lubahn Deputy Clerk
Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Determine Quorum Establish Agenda
Agenda Approved
Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Toquam to approve and adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Consent Agenda
Motion by Tjosaas seconded by Kenworthy to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
1.1. Committee of the Whole - Committee Meeting - Aug 14, 2018 9:00 AM 1.2. Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting - Aug 14, 2018 9:30 AM
1.3. Approve PH-DOC Maintenance and Support Agreement 1.4. Flu Vaccine Fee Increase
Lisa Hager, Employee Relations Director & Jim Elmquist, County Administrator Health Insurance Renewal Rate 2019
Ms. Hager informed the Board the Renewal Rate Exhibit for the county’s 2019 health insurance premiums was included in the Board packet. Based on our claims, Dodge County deserves a 23.8% increase. The County Administrator and Ms. Hager have met with BC/BS and the Southeast
Service Cooperative to review the county’s status and discuss possible plan design changes. Two plan alternatives that would reduce the county's increase were included on the attachment. Ms. Hager and Mr. Elmquist will be meeting with the Insurance Committee on August 29th to discuss Dodge County's options. The Insurance Committee will need to make some difficult decisions before coming to the Board with a recommendation. The Insurance Committee will bring those recommendations to the County Board as soon as possible. At this time, it appears as though they may be leaning towards offering two plans for employees to choose from.
It was noted other premium information for Dental, Life, and LTD were received after the Board packet material deadline and was not available for the Board packet.
Bill Colopoulos was available to discuss premium increases and alternate plan options.
It was the consensus of the Board to have the Insurance Committee review health insurance rates for ALT 1 and ALT 2 and make a recommendation to the Board at a later date
Motion No Vote
Lisa Hager, Employee Relations Director
Personnel Agenda
Ms. Hager presented the Personnel Agenda for the Board’s consideration.
Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Toquam to approve the following personnel actions:
A. Administration
A.1 Nathan Arnold - IT Support Intern
Authorization to employ to fill approved internship with Information Technology at $14.00/hour.
Effective Date: 8/10/18 to 11/8/18 (22 hours/wk for 9 weeks) A.2 Matt Bollum - Custodian/Maintenance
Step increase from A13 step 5 $16.53 to A13 step 4 $17.04. Effective Date: 8/8/18
B. Land Records
B.1 Stacie Maring - Deputy Recorder
Effective Date: 7/24/18
C. Highway Department
C.1 Robert Rosenau - Foreman No longer employed. Effective Date: 8/9/18 C.2 Foreman - 1.0 FTE
Authorization to post and fill vacancy. Effective Date: 8/9/18
D. Sheriff’s Office
D.1 Jordyn Peterson - 911 Dispatcher
Regular status and step increase from B22 step 1 $18.60 to B22 step 2 $19.15. Effective Date: 5/15/18
E. Land Records
E.1 Rita Cole - Assistant Waste Management Administrator Step increase from B24 step 4 $23.01 to B24 step 3 $23.69. Effective Date: 9/8/18
Motion Adopted [Unanimous] Scott Rose, Sheriff
Investigator Captain Position
Sheriff Scott Rose discussed with the Board the proposed Investigator Captain position. As previously requested Sheriff Rose and Ms. Hager drafted a job description for the Investigator Captain position and included it in the Board packet for the Board’s review.
The Sheriff shared a summary of the following types of incidents that are handled by their Investigations Department, along with some explanation of the potential for overtime and how the Investigations Captain position can help manage these incidents:
Call-Outs Dead Body Burglary
Criminal Sex Conduct (rape, assault, etc.) Fires
Missing Person Other Incidents In-Custody Cases
Day-to-Day Investigative Work Drug Task Force
Sheriff Rose reported a majority of the surrounding counties have all added Supervisors to their Investigations Department due to the ever increasing numbers and complexity of cases they are facing. Having a Supervisor in this department will help better manage cases and better manage overtime. Overtime will be approved by the Captain in most cases. Overtime will be limited to
two Investigators with their third Investigator assuming the Captains salaried position - this in itself will reduce overtime. They will need to be careful with call-out incidents with the Captain as exempt status rules dictate that the primary purpose of an exempt position needs to be
administrative in nature. However, with the type of caseload they have been managing, they don’t see this being an issue.
The Sheriff believes an Investigator Captain position will help them better manage their case load and ensure each case is being given the proper time needed to effectively and adequately prosecute, working to ensure cases are followed up on properly and properly prepared for the County Attorney’s Office to prosecute.
Sheriff Rose stated finally and most importantly, by better managing their case from start to finish, they will do a much more effective job of limiting the county’s civil liability, which they know can be very expensive.
Commissioner Kenworthy asked for clarification on the overtime that is anticipated if Mr.
Brumfield is moved to an exempt Investigator Captain position. Mr. Kenworthy wanted to know how the move impacted the other two Investigator’s and their overtime.
Sheriff Rose stated Mr. Brumfield would no longer be eligible for overtime, however the two remaining Investigators would still be eligible for overtime. Mr. Rose noted Investigator Brumfield will still be subject to being on-call although he would be salaried.
It was pointed out Leads and Supervisors are still eligible for the union.
Commissioner Kenworthy expressed concern with longevity for Mr. Brumfield since he’s already been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for a number of years.
Sheriff Rose reported Investigator Brumfield will be eligible for full retirement in eight years. Mr. Rose anticipates that one of the two remaining Investigators may retire within that timeframe and the remaining Investigator who will in eight years have a number of years of service in himself and would likely move into the Investigator Captain position.
Commissioner Allen commented he would like to talk to Jeff Brumfield, he’s not convinced that Mr. Brumfield is willing to work more for less money.
The Employee Relations Director informed the Board Mr. Brumfield will not be paid less by moving to this position.
Commissioner Allen stated the Sheriff’s Office needs to come up with a plan to address the overtime issue.
Mr. Rose pointed out a majority of the overtime in this office this year is primarily due to the case in Blooming Prairie. Sheriff Rose reported that unfortunately overtime is unavoidable for his office and it will continue to fluctuate from year to year.
It was noted Commissioner Peterson was not at the meeting and the Board would like to hear his comments regarding the request before making a decision.
Commissioner Kenworthy stated he has nothing against Jeff Brumfield, however he would like to table this item until the next meeting when Commissioner Peterson is available to provide input.
After conferring with the Sheriff it was agreed that the Board would revisit this discussion item at a future meeting where both the Sheriff and Investigator Brumfield are available to answer additional questions.
Commissioner Kenworthy reported he would like to get Mr. Brumfield’s input and his perspective on the request.
Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Toquam to table discussion on the Investigator Captain position until the Sheriff, Jeff Brumfield, and all five Commissioners are available to discuss this request further.
Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Rose Culbertson, Taxpayer Services Director
Bills Reviewed
The Taxpayer Services Director reviewed bills with the Board.
Ms. Culbertson informed the Board a payment of $4,910.00 on page 9 to Bound Tree Medical for defibrillators is being pulled.
Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Tjosaas to approve the bills as discussed in the following amounts from the appropriate funds as determined by Finance:
01 Revenue Fund $ 107,831.39
13 Road and Bridge Fund $ 54,351.39 16 Environmental Quality Fund $ 9,714.29
Total $ 171,897.07
Motion Adopted [Unanimous]
Classification of Tax Forfeited Property
Ms. Culbertson reported according to MS 282.01 the County Board must classify properties which have been forfeited to the state for nonpayment of taxes. This is the first step before the land may be sold at public auction. All of the properties listed are located within city limits. Ms. Culbertson has included aerial photos of the forfeited parcels as well as literature from Statute 85.012, 92.461, 282.01, 282.018 and from the Delinquent Tax and Tax Forfeiture Manual to aid in the Board’s determination. The current classification of these properties is non-conservation. It was the
Taxpayer Services Director’s recommendation that all the parcels in the provided list be classified as non-conservation.
Commissioner Tjosaas offered the following resolution (#2018-36), seconded by Commissioner Kenworthy:
WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Dodge, State of Minnesota,
desires to offer for sale certain parcels of land that have been forfeited to the State of Minnesota for non-payment of taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners hereby certify that all parcels of land on
the attached list have been viewed and comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 85.012; 92.461; 282.01, Subd. 8; and 282.018; and other statutes that require the withholding of tax-forfeited lands from sale.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the said parcels of land be classified as
non-conservation lands as provided for in Minnesota Statutes listed above. Resolution Adopted [Unanimous]
Request Approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Sale of Tax Forfeited Property
Ms. Culbertson reported as part of the process for the sale of forfeited property, the list of tax-forfeited property must be sent to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to obtain their permission for sale. According to MS 282.01 the County Board must pass a resolution for this purpose. The Taxpayer Services Director has included the list of forfeited parcels which the Board was asked to classify as non-conservation lands earlier at this meeting. The documentation
governing the certification that these lands do not need to be withheld from sale is the same documentation presented with the Classification Resolution. It is Ms. Culbertson’s
recommendation that the proposed resolution be passed.
Commissioner Kenworthy offered the following resolution (#2018-37), seconded by Commissioner Toquam:
WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Dodge, State of Minnesota,
desires to offer for sale certain parcels of land that have been forfeited to the State of Minnesota for non-payment of taxes; and
WHEREAS, said parcels of land have been viewed by the County Board of Commissioners and
have been classified as non-conservation lands as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 282.01.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dodge County Board of Commissioners
hereby request approval from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the sale of said lands.
Jim Elmquist, County Administrator & Todd Nelson, Veteran Services Officer Donation to Veteran’s Services Home in the City of Preston / Fillmore County
County Administrator Jim Elmquist stated at the previous meeting it was suggested that more discussion on the request to donate to the Veteran’s Services Home in Fillmore County take place at today’s meeting. While Mr. Elmquist is making no recommendation as to if the county should donate or not, he’s included a resolution on this agenda in the case the Board wishes to make one. The County Administrator has also included Fillmore County's materials on this planned veteran's home along with the letter Fillmore sent to affected counties. Mr. Elmquist has asked Veteran's Services Director Todd Nelson to also participate in the discussion.
Mr. Nelson shared information on who has contributed or pledged money to the Veteran's Services Home and who is waiting to see what others are contributing.
The Board determined that they would like to hear Commissioner Peterson's input on the request and to see what other organizations are contributing before making a decision on the whether or not they'd like to contribute money.
No action was taken on this item at this time. This item will be brought back at a later date for further discussion.
Resolution No Vote
Paul Kiltinen, County Attorney
Legal Update
Mr. Kiltinen provided the Board with a legal update and discussed his budget with the Board. Motion No Vote
Jim Elmquist, County Administrator
Resolution Authorizing a Transportation Sales Tax of .5 Percent on Purchases in Dodge County
Mr. Elmquist reported the Minnesota State Legislature enacted legislation providing counties with ways to supplement funding for county local roads. At the previous meeting a public hearing was held where multiple people had questions that were, for the most part, answered by the board and staff. The public hearing is a requirement of the further consideration of the tax. If this tax is enacted, these funds will only be used for the rebuilding and maintenance of the county road and bridge system as outlined in the Dodge County Transportation Capital Improvement Plan. Complete statute allocation criteria are reflected in Minnesota Statute 297A.993.
taxes to a sales tax collected from everyone using the county road system including visitors to the Dodge County area. One key questions from the public hearing posed to the board and staff was what percentage of sales tax comes from outside of the county? Finance Director Lisa Kramer contacted the Department of Revenue and discovered this was not something that can be provided.
Finance Director recently spoke to the Department of Revenue and they actually tempered our projected $446,180 in revenue and in the attached email suggest, $320,000 is a more realistic number for county road funding. We had reviewed the attached spreadsheet and took the "Taxable Sales" multiplied by .005, this is where that amount is determined. However, to note, the last totals we have were from 2016.
Included in the Board packet for the Board's consideration is the resolution calling for the enactment of a Transportation Sales Tax at .5% on purchases in Dodge County.
It was clarified that the Board can rescind the Transportation Sales Tax resolution at any time. Commissioner Toquam informed the Board she has had people approach her indicating that the county has to do what they have to do in order to fix our roads since we aren't getting the funding we need from the state.
Commissioner Allen stated he wishes someone had a better idea in how to fix our roads. For the good of the county, Mr. Allen felt they had no choice but to move forward with the
Transportation Sales Tax implementation.
It was the consensus of the Board that they supported the implementation of a Transportation Sales Tax of .5% on purchase in Dodge County with all of the proceeds from the tax being dedicated to Dodge County Transportation projects beginning on January 1, 2019 and expiring in ten years.
Commissioner Tjosaas stated there is no good answer here, this is a difficult decision to make. Commissioner Kenworthy offered the following resolution (#2018-38), seconded by
Commissioner Toquam:
WHEREAS, Dodge County has identified projects within the county’s transportation system
through its adopted Transportation Capital Improvement Plan. (Exhibit 1); and
WHEREAS, Dodge County recognizes that state and federal funding to address local
transportation projects have not been congruent with the county’s overall transportation needs for some time; and
WHEREAS, the 2013 Minnesota State Legislature institute the Transportation Sales and Use
Tax allowing the County this transportation funding option to enable the county to have the ability to capture additional revenues to address these needs; and
WHEREAS; state statute allows the County to institute this tax for transportation purposes by
resolution after holding a public hearing that was held on August 14, 2018.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners
hereby adopt a .5 percent sales tax as provided under Minnesota Statute 297A.993 commencing on January 1, 2019.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Dodge Board of Commissioners direct this revenue
be solely dedicated to fund projects as identified in Dodge County Transportation Capital Improvement Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the tax will terminate in 10 years on December 31,
2029, or earlier if the revenues raised are sufficient to finance the transportation and
improvement projects identified in the Dodge County Transportation Capital Improvement Plan or, unless further action is taken by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
Resolution Adopted [3 to 1]
Budget Discussion
The County Administrator included the materials from the August 21, 2019 MNPrairie Budget Meeting in the Board packet. Mr. Elmquist and Commissioner Tjosaas discussed with the Board what was presented at the August 21, 2018 MNPrairie meeting and inform the Board of what will be presented at their preliminary levy adoption meeting on September 5, 2018. Motion No Vote
County Administrator Update
Mr. Elmquist discussed the following with the Board: Budget Hearing
We currently have the County Board's last meeting of the year scheduled for December 26, 2018, which is a Wednesday. The meeting will include our final levy certification along with the presentation. A form needs to be submitted to the Department of Revenue scheduling the date which is then provided on the tax notices. In discussing with our Deputy Clerk, she has a conflict for this evening and my initial thoughts is this may be a difficult night for others as well. I wanted to submit for your input to consider December 27, 2018 as the possible date for this meeting.
Logo Committee
The Logo Committee did receive renditions from the consultant and there were still some suggestions the group wanted included before re-submittal to the board. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for August 31, 2018.
Just for your review, I asked Lisa Kramer for a longer term history of what the county has done for funding of aggregate and bituminous. Just thought I'd share for your information.
Motion No Vote
Public Safety Committee Report - Commissioner David Kenworthy
Commissioner Kenworthy presented a summary of the Public Safety Committee report and action items.
Mr. Kenworthy reviewed Dodge's Alternative to Addiction (Drug Court) Sober Fest 2018 donations request.
Culligan of Kasson recently donated eight cases of bottled water to Dodge’s Alternative to Addiction (Drug Court) that was used for the 12th annual Sober Fest celebration on July 21, 2018.
In addition, they also received $30.25 in anonymous cash donations at the Sober Fest event. Eric Thompson would request that the Dodge County Board of Commissioners approve the above-noted donations.
Commissioner Kenworthy offered the following resolution (#2018-39), seconded by Commissioner Tjosaas:
WHEREAS, Dodge County's Alternative to Addiction (Drug Court) receives donations from
time to time from individuals and/or organizations; and
WHEREAS, Dodge's Alternative to Addiction wishes to accept these donations and utilize
them for the purpose of sponsoring the 2018 Sober Fest event; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 465.03, the county shall by resolution of the
governing body adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members accept a grant or devise of real or personal property and maintain such property for the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dodge County Board of Commissioners
hereby accept the following donations to be used for the 2018 Sober Fest event: Culligan of Kasson - 8 cases of bottled water
$30.25 in anonymous cash donations Resolution Adopted [Unanimous]
Administration Committee Report - Commissioner John Allen
items.
Commissioners provided their agency reports. Commissioner Allen attended a Fairview Care Center meeting. Commissioner Kenworthy attended a Fairview Care Center meeting, a budget meeting and a DFO Task Force meeting. Commissioner Peterson was not available to report his meeting attendance. Commissioner Tjosaas attended a Constituent meeting with
MNPrairie, a Canvassing Board meeting, a Fairview Care Center meeting, a MNPrairie
meeting, a Community Corrections Task Force meeting and a SCHRC meeting. Commissioner Toquam attended a Fairview Care Center meeting, a special meeting and a Logo Committee meeting.
Motion No Vote
There were no Other Deferred Business items to discuss. Motion No Vote
Adjourn
Meeting Adjourned
Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Tjosaas to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Dodge County Board of Commissioners will be held on September 11, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.
