Wadena County public meetings in 2023

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine financial items, including warrants and vouchers, and to consider several contracts and agreements, such as a Walmart grant for Human Services, a maintenance agreement, and a solid waste disposal agreement. They will also discuss an emergency storm shelter in Verndale, a request to purchase a shingle storage bunker, and personnel policy revisions. The meeting includes updates from the U of M Extension Board and committee reports.

• Approval of auditors warrants and EFT vouchers
• Human Services Walmart Grant
• TriMin Platinum Maintenance 2024
• Emergency Storm Shelter Verndale
• 2024 Solid Waste Haulers License and MSW Disposal Agreement

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss the hiring process for an administrator with DDA Human Resources, Inc. The meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the Wadena County Courthouse. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda; the item is limited to discussions.

• Discussion with DDA Human Resources, Inc. regarding administrator hiring process

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider routine items and set the 2024 final levy and budget. The agenda includes consent items like donations, contracts, and grants, as well as regular agenda items such as a DDA review and a resolution supporting Safe Routes to School. The meeting is open to the public and includes a break and reports.

• 2024 Final Levy and Budget
• 2023 DDA Review
• 2023 Verndale Safe Routes to School Resolution of Support
• DNR Snowmobile Safety Enforcement Grant approval
• OHV Safety Grant approval

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Commissioners are attending the AMC's Annual Conference from December 3-6, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency-Minneapolis. The purpose is to discuss any business presented, but no specific agenda items are listed.

• Attendance at AMC Annual Conference
• Conference location: Hyatt Regency-Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss the hiring process for a county administrator with DDA Human Resources, Inc. The meeting is scheduled for November 30, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the lower level multi-purpose room of the Wadena County Courthouse. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda; the discussion is the sole item.

• Discussion with DDA Human Resources, Inc. on administrator hiring process
• Special meeting at Wadena County Courthouse, 415 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, MN

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review various consent agenda items including warrants and liquor license renewals. Regular agenda items include discussions on personnel policy updates, a federal transportation project application, and the purchase of a Highway Department patch wagon.

• Designating polling places for absentee and mail ballot precincts for the 2024 election year
• Resolution approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements for the County Attorney and Sheriff
• Renewal of liquor license for R & J Horse Sales, Inc
• Renewal of liquor license for Knob Hill Sportsman's Club
• Lawful gambling permit for RD Offutt Huntersville Sportsmens Park

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is holding a Truth in Taxation meeting to discuss the proposed 2024 Budget and Property Tax Levy. The agenda includes a report by Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson on the 2023 Budget and Property Tax Levy. Residents will have the opportunity to provide public comment on these financial proposals.

• Discussion of proposed Wadena County 2024 Budget and Property Tax Levy
• 2023 Budget and Property Tax Levy Report by Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson
• Public comment session regarding the budget and tax levy

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners met to review the 2024 Budget and discuss updates to personnel policies. The board also considered letters of support for the Farmers Union Foundation and Friends of Wadena County Youth. Additionally, the meeting included a monthly building report and a review of the Custodian II position description.

• Review of the 2024 Budget
• Discussion of Personnel Policy updates
• Letter of Support for Farmers Union Foundation Application
• Letter of Support for Friends of Wadena County Youth
• Monthly Building Report

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve the consent agenda, including minutes and warrants, and hold a public hearing on fees. They will also consider a natural resource block grant, an opioid funding recommendation, and receive an update on County Road 145.

• Fee hearing at 9:15 a.m.
• Opioid funding recommendation from WCHS
• Board of Water and Soil Resources Natural Resource Block Grant
• County Road 145 update
• Request budget appropriation for STS building

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider a range of items, including hiring for a building maintenance vacancy and a full-time position, purchasing new jail bunks, replacing a refrigerator/freezer, and installing jail cell cameras. They will also review grant applications for a 2026 LIRP project and a transit building capital grant, along with consent agenda items such as ARPA payments and allocations to local organizations.

• ARPA payment for City of Wadena
• 2023 2nd half allocations for Soil & Water Conservation District and Historical Society
• Approval to hire a full-time position
• Purchase new bunks for the jail
• Jail cell cameras

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider routine agenda items, including an update from the Veteran Service Officer and a presentation from a DDA management consultant. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda; the meeting appears to be primarily informational.

• Update from Veteran Service Officer
• DDA Management Consultant Presentation

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting as part of the Minnesota Rural Counties Annual Meeting on October 9, 2023, at the Douglas County Administration Building in Alexandria. The agenda contains no specific action items, only the meeting notice and location details.

• Meeting held at Douglas County Administration Building Board Room, 821 Cedar Ave, Alexandria MN

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider routine approvals and several policy and financial items, including setting 2024 salaries for elected and appointed officials, county board compensation, and employer contributions for 2024 health insurance. They will also discuss a county road turnback with Aldrich Township, a snowmobile club trail request, and approve a new abatement policy.

• Approve lawful gambling permit for St. Hubert Catholic Church to hold bingo events
• Resolution of support for 2025 HSIP project application
• Aldrich Township county road turnback discussion
• Approval to accept quote for replacement of Human Services garage floor
• 2024 salaries for elected and appointed officials and county board compensation

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is holding a Countywide Zoning Committee Meeting to discuss and review the existing County Zoning Ordinance. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Wadena County Courthouse Multi-purpose room, 415 Jefferson St. S, Wadena, MN 56482. No specific agenda items beyond the ordinance review are listed.

• Review of existing County Zoning Ordinance
• Meeting at Wadena County Courthouse Multi-purpose room, 415 Jefferson St. S, Wadena, MN 56482

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider the 2024 preliminary levy, set salaries for elected and appointed officials, and discuss the interim county coordinator. The board will also act on several grants, appointments, and routine financial approvals.

• 2024 Preliminary Levy
• 2024 Salaries for Elected and Appointed Officials
• Opioid Settlement RFP Approval
• BWSR Low Income Septic System Replacement Grant for PID# 04.018.1035
• Approval of Final Payment for SAP 080-599-025

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Park Board is holding a tour of four county parks — Old Wadena, Frame's Landing, Tree Farm Landing, and Anderson's Crossing — to review improvements at each site. The tour begins at the Sheriff's Building at the Wadena County Fairgrounds and concludes with a board meeting and lunch. This is a working field trip, not a regular decision-making meeting.

• Tour of Old Wadena to review improvements
• Tour of Frame's Landing to review improvements
• Tour of Tree Farm Landing to review improvements
• Tour of Anderson's Crossing to review improvements
• Park Board meeting with lunch provided by staff

County Commissioners

This is a routine procedural agenda for the Wadena County Board of Commissioners meeting. It includes standard items like call to order, pledge, agenda approval, consent agenda, reports, and adjournment, with no specific action items, decisions, or discussions detailed.

• Consent agenda items
• County Coordinator report
• Commissioner/Committee reports

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is attending the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Fall Policy Conference from September 13-15, 2023, at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN. The agenda contains only this meeting notice and no specific policy items, votes, or discussion topics.

• Attendance at AMC Fall Policy Conference, September 13-15, 2023
• Location: Arrowwood Resort, 2100 Arrowwood Lane, Alexandria, MN 56308

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting to hold a public hearing on opioid settlement updates, discuss the progress of the STS building project, and consider several administrative items including a network technician position, highway technology damage from a lightning strike, planning for the county coordinator's resignation, tax information, and a fair board lease. The agenda also includes routine consent items such as warrant approvals.

• Public hearing on Wadena County Opioid Settlement Updates
• Update on the progress of the STS Building Project
• Network Technician I position
• Highway technology damage from lightning strike
• Fair Board Lease

The commissioners approved the September 12 warrants totaling $86,679.35. They transferred interim opioid‑settlement responsibilities to Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson (5‑0). The board authorized advertising for a Network Technician I or II position unanimously. Finally, they adopted the DDA proposal to conduct the search for the next County Coordinator/Administrator, also unanimously.

• Approved September 12 warrants for $86,679.35 (consent agenda)
• Transferred opioid settlement committee duties to Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson (5-0)
• Approved advertising for a Network Tech I or II position (unanimous)
• Adopted DDA proposal for County Coordinator/Administrator search (unanimous)
• Approved the day's agenda (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider a conditional use permit for a gravel extraction operation, approve a low quote for road work, and discuss several other items including a housing tax abatement policy and an architect hire. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, warrants, and contracts.

• Conditional use permit for Barbara Mathiew (Menagha Concrete) for gravel extraction on PID 02-033-3010
• Approve low quote for work on Bullard Bluff Cartway
• Housing tax abatement policy
• Approval to hire architect for design of Nimrod Shop
• 2024 Court Appointed Legal Services Contract

The Board approved a conditional use permit for a gravel extraction operation and adopted a new Housing Tax Abatement Policy. They also authorized repairs to the Bullard Bluff cartway and approved several consent agenda items including warrants totaling over $3.1 million.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Barbara Mathiew/Menahga Concrete gravel extraction (Unanimous)
• Approved $3,300 low quote from Enberg Service for Bullard Bluff cartway repairs (with budget cap of $5,000)
• Approved Housing Tax Abatement Policy and Application with modifications to construction start requirements
• Approved warrants totaling $3,096,575.42 and Human Services warrants of $31,036.73
• Approved 2024 Court Appointed Legal Services Contract with Malcolm Whynott
• Approved liquor license for Hville Op. Inc (10-1-23 to 9-30-24)
• Approved re-appointment of Penny Nelson to County Extension Committee (1-1-24 to 12-31-26)
• Approved hire of Hailey Mousseau as Social Worker Intern at $14.00 per hour

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine items and discuss several policy matters. Key agenda items include a housing tax abatement policy, a cannabis discussion, and the award of a road construction project (SP 080-623-022). The board will also consider a disability insurance RFP and legal services with Richard Hodsdon.

• Housing Tax Abatement Policy discussion
• Award of SP 080-623-022 (road construction project)
• Award of construction inspection services for SP 080-623-022
• Disability Insurance RFP
• Cannabis Discussion

The Board awarded a construction contract for project SP 080-623-022 to Structural Specialties Inc. and approved related inspection services. The Board also authorized landfill monitoring work and updated disability insurance plans. A proposed housing tax abatement policy was sent back for modifications.

• Awarded SP 080-623-022 construction contract to Structural Specialties Inc. for $1,553,776.50 (4-0)
• Approved construction inspection services for SP 080-623-022 with Erickson Engineering (4-0)
• Authorized $20,400 professional services agreement with Barr Engineering for landfill monitoring wells and test pits (4-0)
• Approved updating short-term and long-term disability plan designs with New York Life (4-0)
• Approved up to $1,000 for beaver removal on County Ditch 6 using landowner-donated funds (4-0)
• Approved requesting quotes to replace the Human Services garage floor with reinforced concrete (3-1)
• Authorized payment of legal expenses for Wadena County vs. Astera Health Inc. from General Revenue Fund (4-0)
• Tabled Housing Tax Abatement Policy for modifications

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will discuss conditions for a proposed conditional use permit (CUP) for Mathiew, consider replacing the Highway Department's outlier shop, and review 2023 fairgrounds maintenance projects. The meeting is primarily a discussion session with no final votes listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on conditions for proposed Mathiew CUP
• Highway Department outlier shop replacement discussion
• 2023 fairgrounds maintenance projects review

The board met for discussion purposes with no formal board actions taken. Commissioners reached a consensus to replace sewer lift station pumps at the fairgrounds next spring and requested further research on dairy barn electrical services.

• Consensus reached to replace fairgrounds sewer lift station pumps next spring
• Directed Coordinator Odden to research costs for Dairy barn electrical service replacement
• Tabled decision on Highway Department outlier shop replacements pending further funding research

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine consent items, including warrants and appointments, and to discuss several regular agenda items. Key actions include a resolution for a conditional use permit for Randall and Jodi Becker, an advance construction agreement for a road project, and a cannabis discussion.

• Approve resolution for conditional use permit for Randall and Jodi Becker for part of PID 10-027-2020
• SP 080-623-022 Advance Construction Agreement and Resolution
• Approve low income septic system replacement grant for PID 11.016.4020
• Counties Providing Technology Joint Powers Agreement
• Cannabis discussion at 10:00 AM

The Board approved a conditional use permit for a gravel extraction operation and authorized an application for a 2024 state transit operating grant. Additionally, the Board approved a new recycling subsidy method and an advance construction agreement with MnDOT for a bridge project.

• Approved 2024 Greater Minnesota Transit Operating Grant/Agreement (4-1)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Randall & Jodi Becker gravel extraction on PID# 10.027.2020 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-32 for CSAH 23 Bridge Advance Construction Agreement with MnDOT (unanimous)
• Approved process to split parcel R220061050 for future public sale (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursement of $125/ton to licensed haulers for uncontaminated recyclables (unanimous)
• Approved warrants totaling $1,208,970.48 and Human Services warrants totaling $13,494.96 (unanimous)
• Approved Low Income Septic System Replacement Grant for PID# 11.016.4020 (unanimous)
• Approved new hires for Sheriff Department, IT Department, and Public Health (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine approvals, including warrants and contracts, and to discuss several human services and sheriff's office items. A key discussion will address the 2023 State Board of Equalization order and its effects on the 2023 assessment. The board will also enter a closed session to discuss litigation with Astera Health.

• Approval of warrants and EFT vouchers
• Freshwater Education District school nursing contract
• MnSCU mutual aid agreement
• Reclassification of deputy and jail dispatch positions
• Closed session on Astera Health v. Wadena County litigation

The Board approved a grant-funded DWI/Traffic Safety Deputy and the reclassification of jail and dispatch positions to full-time. A proposal to reclassify court security deputy positions was denied. The Board also approved over $149,000 in warrants and various contracts.

• Approved $122,465.32 in warrants (Unanimous)
• Approved $27,278.76 in Human Services warrants (Unanimous)
• Approved Freshwater Education District School Nursing Contract (Unanimous)
• Approved MNSCU Mutual Aid Agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved Release of Claims for Michael Pete (Unanimous)
• Denied reclassification of two 50% licensed deputy positions into one full-time position (3-2)
• Approved reclassification of three 50% Jailer/Dispatcher positions into two full-time positions (Unanimous)
• Approved agreement with MN Department of Public Safety for FFY2024 DWI/Traffic Safety Deputy with reimbursement up to $90,104.09 (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider several items, including a conditional use permit for a gravel extraction operation, a zoning ordinance amendment, and the 2024-2028 highway plan. They will also discuss emergency response procedures in a closed session and review various routine approvals.

• Conditional use permit for Barbara Mathiew & Menahga Concrete for gravel extraction on PID#02-033-3010
• Amend Zoning Ordinance No. 1
• 2024-2028 Highway Department 5 Year Plan
• Revoke County Road 154 minimum maintenance designation
• Approval to hire FT Licensed Jail Admin-PSAP Supervisor

The Board approved the Highway Department's 2024-2028 Five Year Plan and revoked the minimum maintenance designation for County Road 154. A conditional use permit for a gravel extraction site was extended for 60 days for further review. The Board also approved a zoning ordinance amendment regarding property ownership transfers.

• Approved Highway Department 2024-2028 Five Year Plan (unanimous)
• Revoked minimum maintenance designation for County Road 154 (unanimous)
• Extended gravel extraction CUP application for Barbara Mathiew 60 days (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Zoning Ordinance #1 regarding Transfer of Ownership (unanimous)
• Approved hire of Timothy Stroeing as Licensed Jail Administrator/PSAP Supervisor (unanimous)
• Authorized Vice-Chair Murlyn Kreklau to sign documents for sale of Parcel #13.133.4010 (4-0)
• Approved $2,074,852.81 in warrants and $21,817.44 in Human Services warrants (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on outlier shops and plow routes to a future meeting

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Commissioners will attend a Highway Department Road and Bridge Tour on June 22, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The tour starts at the Wadena County Highway Department at 221 Harry Rich Drive and will use a Friendly Rider bus. Participants will review past and future road projects and visit outlying County Highway Department shops. The public is welcome to ride along.

• Road and bridge tour of past and future projects
• Tour begins at Wadena County Highway Department, 221 Harry Rich Drive
• Friendly Rider bus transportation provided
• Visits to outlying County Highway Department shops
• Public invited to ride along

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider a variety of routine and notable items, including a public hearing on fees, a conditional use permit for a specific property, and a closed session to discuss litigation. The agenda also includes consent agenda items such as warrants, contracts, and permits, as well as discussions on legislative updates and holiday compensation.

• Fee hearing at 9:15 a.m. to consider fee changes
• Resolution to approve conditional use permit for PID 09.007.1010
• Approval of final payment for SP 080-070-011
• City of Staples ARPA application and grant agreement
• Closed session to discuss Pete v. Wadena County litigation

The Board approved a conditional use permit for a campground on PID #09.007.1010 and a grant for the City of Staples to expand industrial park utilities. Commissioners also approved a habitat easement for Ervasti Family Farms and updated the county fee schedule. A split vote resulted in the rescinding of a previous motion regarding Juneteenth holiday pay.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for James K. Murphy campground on PID #09.007.1010 (4-1)
• Approved Fee Schedule as presented (unanimous)
• Approved Certification for Acquisition for Grant of Easement on 240 acres of Ervasti Family Farms, LLP (4-1)
• Approved $135,250 ARPA grant agreement for City of Staples industrial park utility expansion (unanimous)
• Approved $273,739.48 final payment for SP 080-070-011 to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC (unanimous)
• Rescinded June 6 motion regarding Juneteenth as an unpaid holiday (3-2)
• Approved Resolutions 2023-24, 2023-25, 2023-26, and 2023-27 (each 3-2)
• Approved $284,015.04 in warrants and $54,419.09 in Human Services warrants (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is attending the AMC District 4 Spring Meeting on June 16, 2023, at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls. The agenda is limited to this meeting notice and contains no county-specific decisions or discussion items.

• Attendance at AMC District 4 Spring Meeting
• Meeting location: Otter Tail County Government Services Center, 500 West Fir Ave., Fergus Falls, MN

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Equalization is meeting to address property assessment matters. The agenda includes appointing property owners, hearing county assessor recommendations, and adjourning. This is a routine procedural meeting for property tax appeals.

• Property owner appointments
• County assessor recommendations

The Board of Equalization heard testimony from property owners regarding valuation increases and approved several changes to Estimated Market Values (EMV). The board reduced EMVs for numerous individual parcels and approved broad percentage reductions for Shell River Township, Wadena Township, and Verndale City.

• Reduced EMV for 26 individual parcels by varying amounts (Unanimous)
• Increased EMV of parcel #12.017.3010 by $2,086,300 (Unanimous)
• Increased EMV of parcel #22.780.1090 by $31,900 (Unanimous)
• Increased EMV of parcel #22.810.0070 by $12,100 (Unanimous)
• Increased EMV of parcel #12.015.1035 by $10,500 (5-1)
• Changed class of parcel #17.300.2380 from Class 225 to Class 201 (Unanimous)
• Reclassified 18 acres of parcel #02.024.2010 as wasteland and reduced EMV by $9,600 (Unanimous)
• Reduced EMV for Shell River Township (15%), Wadena Township (10%), and Verndale City (5%) (5-1)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider routine consent items, including minutes, warrants, and donations, and hold a public hearing on amending the parks ordinance. They will also vote on two conditional use permits for gravel extraction, one approval and one denial, and enter a closed session for negotiation strategy.

• Public hearing to amend Parks Ordinance 2
• Resolution to approve CUP for gravel extraction on PID 02-019-1030
• Resolution to deny CUP for James K. Murphy on PID 09-007-1010
• Closed session for negotiation strategy
• 2023 allocation for Initiative Foundation

The Board approved a conditional use permit for gravel extraction in Blueberry Township and amended the Parks Ordinance to increase campground stays from 7 to 14 days. A request for a new campground was postponed for further review. The Board also approved several warrants and personnel updates.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for gravel extraction for Howard & Julia Wehmas and Anderson Brothers Construction (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Parks Ordinance #2 increasing campground stay limit from 7 to 14 days (unanimous)
• Postponed decision on James K. Murphy's campground Conditional Use Permit until June 20, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved warrants totaling $579,952.56 (unanimous)
• Approved Human Services warrants totaling $13,399.88 (unanimous)
• Approved $200 annual clothing and safety allowance for employees not covered by bargaining agreements (unanimous)
• Approved $2,560 allocation for Initiative Foundation (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Lisa Schmidt (Family Based Services Provider) and Lucas Brownell (Seasonal Engineering Aide) (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider consent agenda items, including warrants and allocations, and regular agenda items such as a public hearing on a park ordinance amendment, appointments, and various approvals. They will also discuss tax implications of a proposed WDA abatement and consider establishing a tax abatement committee.

• Public hearing for park ordinance amendment
• Appoint Douglas Clark to Todd-Wadena Community Corrections Executive Committee
• Approval to pave Human Services parking lot
• Sale of parcel 22.008.2090 to adjacent property owners
• Discussion on proposed tax implications of WDA abatement

The Board approved a $37,924 contract for paving the Human Services parking lot and authorized an archeological survey for Old Wadena Park. A resolution to appoint a judge to the Todd-Wadena Community Corrections Executive Committee was denied, and a park ordinance amendment was tabled.

• Approved $37,924 contract with Howard’s Driveway for Human Services parking lot paving (unanimous)
• Approved archeological survey for Old Wadena Park & Campground (unanimous)
• Denied appointment of Hon. Douglas Clark to Todd-Wadena Community Corrections Executive Committee (3-2)
• Tabled Park Ordinance #2 amendment regarding campsite definitions (unanimous)
• Postponed sale of Parcel 22.008.290 to adjacent property owners (unanimous)
• Approved $265,668.09 in warrants from 4-28-23 and 5-5-23 (unanimous)
• Approved $36,619.72 in Human Services warrants (unanimous)
• Approved $49,500 2023 1st half allocation for Soil and Water Conservation District (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to receive the 2022 Public Health Annual Report, discuss a development tax abatement, and consider countywide zoning. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Public Health Annual Report 2022
• Development tax abatement discussion
• Countywide zoning discussion

The board held a discussion-only meeting with no formal actions taken. Commissioners and citizens discussed updating the tax abatement policy and amending restrictive countywide zoning ordinances to attract businesses and housing.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The board voted unanimously to request the Minnesota Department of Revenue conduct an audit of the county's 2023 property valuations after numerous residents and commissioners raised concerns about inequitable assessments, with some properties seeing increases of up to 67%. The decision followed extensive public testimony and commissioner discussion about inconsistent valuation methods, including combining different property types into a single residential category. The board also tabled the Building Committee Charter until the next meeting.

• Approved motion to request Minnesota Department of Revenue audit of 2023 property valuations (unanimous)
• Tabled Building Committee Charter until next regular board meeting
• Approved consent agenda with removal of Budget Committee Charter item (unanimous)
• Approved $396,078.37 in warrants
• Approved $16,142.85 in Human Services warrants
• Approved 2023 MOU with West Central MN Homework Starts with Home
• Approved Kitchigami first-half allocation of $53,646.50
• Approved public hearing for Parks Ordinance amendments on May 16, 2023

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Commissioners may attend the Minnesota Township Association Semi-Annual County/Town meeting on April 25, 2023, at the Sebeka Senior Center. The meeting is for the commissioners to participate with Wadena County township officials. Registration begins at 6:00 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm.

• Attendance at Minnesota Township Association Semi-Annual County/Town meeting
• Meeting location: Sebeka Senior Center, 104 E. Minnesota Ave, Sebeka, MN
• Purpose: participation with Wadena County township officials

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider consent agenda items including warrants, permits, and contracts, and will award the 2023 bituminous road construction contracts. They will also discuss a closed session on pending litigation and a septic system inspection discussion.

• Award of 2023 Wadena County Bituminous Contract
• Resolution to obtain grant for TruNarc handheld narcotics analyzer through Sourcewell
• Approve LISSTS septic system replacement grant PID 15.026.3020
• Renewal of liquor licenses for Vintage Golf Club and Blueberry Pines
• Closed session to discuss Pete v. Wadena County

The Board expressed principal support for renovating the 4-H building's bathrooms, plumbing, and flooring using fairground funds. They also approved a resolution to seek regional mental health funding for youth and authorized several consent items including liquor license renewals.

• Approved principal support and potential funding up to $100,000 for 4-H building renovations (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-10 to seek Sourcewell funding for Region 5 Children’s Mental Health Initiative (Unanimous)
• Approved renewal of liquor licenses for Ernie Rose Golf LLC and Blueberry Holding, Inc. contingent on County Attorney approval (Unanimous)
• Approved $289,352.25 in warrants from 3-31-23 and 4-6-2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved $34,578.74 in Human Services warrants from 4-18-2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved Wadena County Human Services UCARE Contract (Unanimous)
• Approved LISSTS Septic System Replacement Grand PID 15.026.3020 (Unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permits for Twin City Trail Riders and River Valley Enduro Riders (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The board met to discuss the 2025 TH 10 roundabout, conservation fund parcels, and Ag Society updates. The minutes state that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss topics and no formal board actions were taken.

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting, addressing a consent agenda that includes minutes, warrants, and liquor license renewals, followed by regular agenda items such as a 4-H update, IT support for Menahga, and approval to sell units 25 and 27. The meeting also includes two workshop meetings and reports from the county coordinator and commissioners.

• Renew liquor license for John and Sharon Long DBA Wahoo Valley Bar & Grill
• Approve liquor license for Frank and Alicia Moren DBA Twin Lakes Lodge and Resort for 2023
• 2023 Emergency Assistance Program Policy
• Approval to sell units 25 and 27
• Menahga IT support

The Board of Commissioners approved a technology services agreement for the Menahga Police Department and authorized the sale of two surplus vehicles. They also approved several warrants, liquor licenses, and the 2023 Emergency Assistance Program Policy.

• Approved IT Support Agreement for Menahga Police Department (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Unit 25 (2001 Sterling Plow Truck) via Minnbid for minimum $20,000 (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Unit 27 (1997 Ford Truck Tractor) via Minnbid for minimum $10,000, unless used by Solid Waste Department (unanimous)
• Approved warrants from 3-17-2023 and 3-24-2023 totaling $440,526.76 (unanimous)
• Approved Human Services warrants from 4-4-2023 totaling $19,548.76 (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Emergency Assistance Program Policy (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license renewals for Wahoo Valley Bar and Grill and Twin Lakes Lodge and Resort (unanimous)
• Approved New Hire Report (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will consider routine consent items including minutes, warrants, and human services warrants, plus several committee charters and an all-hazard plan. They will also vote on opioid settlement administration costs and a memorandum of agreement, and approve contracts with Barr Engineering for groundwater quality services and a PFAS report at the landfill. A public hearing on parks ordinance amendments is requested, and a closed session is scheduled to discuss pending litigation.

• Approval of opioid settlement administration cost and per diem, and MOA resolution
• Agreement with Barr for annual groundwater quality services and PFAS report at landfill
• Request for public hearing on parks ordinance amendments
• Approval of multiple committee charters (Transit Advisory, Trauma Informed, Compliance Fund, IT, Personnel)
• Closed session under MN Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3(B) to discuss Pete v. Wadena County

The Board approved the Wadena County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorized participation in multistate opioid settlement agreements. The board also approved contracts for groundwater and PFAS monitoring at the demolition landfill and authorized an application for Children’s Therapeutic Services & Supports.

• Adopted Wadena County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (4-0)
• Approved participation in multistate Opioid Supply Chain settlements and State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement (4-0)
• Approved $60.00 per diem for citizen members of Opioid Committee (4-0)
• Approved $17,600 contract with Barr Engineering for annual groundwater quality services (4-0)
• Approved up to $10,000 agreement with Barr Engineering for PFAS analysis services (4-0)
• Approved application for Children’s Therapeutic Services & Supports (CTSS) (4-0)
• Approved Engineering Aid position as grade 2 (4-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for amendments to Ordinance #2 for April 4, 2023 (4-0)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine approvals and several regular agenda items. Key actions include seeking a broker for the 2024 health insurance RFP, a property tax abatement hearing and resolution, and receiving updates from the Central MN EMS Coordinator and DDA Human Resources Inc. The agenda also includes consent items like warrant approvals and the 2023 first-half allocation for the Economic Alliance.

• Seek a broker to begin RFP process for 2024 health insurance
• Property tax abatement hearing and resolution
• 2023 1st half allocation for the Economic Alliance
• Auditors warrants approval and EFT voucher for approval
• Presentation from Central MN EMS Coordinator

The Board of Commissioners approved a property tax abatement for a new housing development in the City of Wadena. The board also authorized seeking a broker for 2024 health insurance RFPs and approved several consent agenda items.

• Approved Resolution No. 2023-7 for property tax abatements up to $1.3M for 15 years (4-1)
• Approved warrants from 3-14-2023 totaling $66,639.10 (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 1 Half Allocation for the Economic Alliance (unanimous)
• Approved updated Insurance Committee Charter (unanimous)
• Approved seeking a broker to begin the RFP process for 2024 Health Insurance (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine consent items and discuss several regular agenda items, including purchasing an articulating wheel loader, reposting a road grader on MinnBid, and a tax abatement policy for economic development. They will also discuss the 2025 TH 10 four-lane expansion.

• Approval to purchase articulating wheel loader
• Approval to repost road grader on MinnBid
• 2025 TH 10 4-lane expansion discussion
• Wadena County Economic Development Tax Abatement Policy
• Approve Park Board member terms

The Board approved the purchase of a new Volvo wheel loader for solid waste and lowered the minimum bid for a road grader sale. The board also approved the 2022 Feedlot Program Report and various warrants. A proposal for a roundabout on TH 10 was tabled for further discussion.

• Approved purchase of 2023 Volvo L60H Loader for $185,130.00 (4-0)
• Approved sale of Unit 33 2005 CAT 12H Road Grader with minimum bid of $50,000.00 (4-0)
• Approved 2022 Feedlot Program Report (4-0)
• Approved warrants from 2-17-2023 and 2-24-2023 totaling $624,182.89 (4-0)
• Approved Human Services warrants from 3-7-2023 totaling $42,923.08 (4-0)
• Approved New Hire Report for two Jailer Dispatchers (4-0)
• Approved Park Board Member Terms and Family Services Collaborative Board of Directors Charter (4-0)
• Tabled discussion on TH 10 4 Lane Expansion roundabout

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting, covering consent agenda items such as minutes, warrants, and human services reports. Notable actions include accepting donations for an ATV, approving a timber harvest plan, and requesting quotes for a pavilion reconstruction. The board will also discuss a proposed property tax abatement for a housing project.

• Discussion of proposed property tax abatement for a proposed housing project
• Acceptance of donations to purchase ATV
• Timber harvest plan at Frame's Landing Park approval
• Request for quotes for reconstruction of pavilion at Old Wadena
• Construction proposal from Johnson Controls Inc on HVAC solutions for courthouse using Sourcewell contract 070121-JHN

The Board approved a major HVAC refit for the courthouse and authorized construction at Old Wadena Park. They also accepted donations for a new Sheriff's Office ATV and approved a timber sale at Frames Landing Park.

• Approved $2,046,000 HVAC project with Johnson Controls Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $39,185 for Old Wadena pavilion reconstruction and $8,044 for landing stairway (4-1)
• Approved acceptance of up to $42,000 in donations for a 2023 Polaris Ranger ATV (unanimous)
• Approved timber sale at Frames Landing Park & Campground (unanimous)
• Approved $359,188.27 in warrants for 2-3-23, 2-9-23, and 2-10-23 (unanimous)
• Approved $37,284.38 in Human Services warrants for 2-21-23 (unanimous)
• Approved Parks Budget Amendment to add $1,000 line item 6803 and remove $5,000 line item 6660 (unanimous)
• Directed that public hearing notice for proposed housing tax abatement be placed in all local papers

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss topics only, with no formal board actions to be taken. The main item is a discussion of the county's legislative priorities with Representative Weiner and Representative Knudsen. The meeting is procedural in nature, consisting of a call to order, pledge of allegiance, the discussion, and adjournment.

• Discussion of Wadena County legislative priorities with Representative Weiner and Representative Knudsen

The board met to discuss Wadena County Legislative Priorities with Representative Weiner and Representative Knudsen. The minutes state that no formal board actions were taken during the meeting.

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine business, including ratifying the sale of a county parcel and approving a prosecution contract with the City of Menahga. They will also receive updates on the county road safety plan and IT department. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.

• Ratification of sale of Parcel 10.300.1250
• City of Menahga prosecution contract
• County Road Safety Plan update
• 2023 IT Department updates

The Board of Commissioners approved a contract for the Wadena County Attorney to provide prosecution services for the City of Menahga. The board also ratified a parcel sale and received updates on road safety and IT operations.

• Approved Wadena County Attorney Prosecution contract with the City of Menahga (unanimous)
• Ratified sale of Parcel #10.300.1250 (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine consent items, including minutes and warrants, and to consider several regular agenda items. These include accepting donations for a patrol K9 and handler training and for an ATV, a professional services agreement with WSN, and a project development agreement with Johnson Controls for HVAC solutions at the courthouse. The board will also hold a public hearing on a petition to amend the official zoning map and receive annual reports from planning, zoning, parks, and GIS departments. A closed session is scheduled to discuss negotiation strategy.

• Donation of patrol K9 and handler training
• Acceptance of donations to purchase ATV
• WSN Professional Services Agreement
• Johnson Controls HVAC project development agreement for courthouse using Sourcewell contract
• Petition to amend official zoning map

The Board approved the donation of a patrol K9 and handler training, along with a rezoning request for a farm implement business. Commissioners also authorized a new HVAC project development agreement for the courthouse and scheduled public outreach for zoning law revisions.

• Approved donation of patrol K9 and handler training from McDonough K9 (unanimous)
• Approved grant up to $7,500 from US Police K9 Association for McDonough K9 (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of PID 14.009.3020 and 14.009.4025 to B-1 Highway Service Business District (unanimous)
• Authorized $11,700 professional services agreement with Widseth for landfill and water sampling (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 to end agreement with ICS, Inc. and entered project development agreement with Johnson Controls for courthouse HVAC (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved $1,165,038.54 in warrants and $25,352.43 in Human Services/Family Wise warrants (unanimous)
• Approved various committee charters and 2023 Commissioner assignments (unanimous)
• Approved holding public meetings to gather input on revising county zoning laws (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved several financial warrants, budget amendments for the Humane Society and Historical Society, and a fund transfer for fairgrounds costs. They also appointed representatives to the Kitchigami Regional Library System. A motion to begin rescinding the Solid Waste Ordinance failed for lack of a second.

• Approved warrants totaling $415,920.65 (unanimous)
• Approved Human Services warrants totaling $139,620.10 (unanimous)
• Approved $52,018 MPCA SSTS Program Grant Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $377,641 Todd Wadena Community Corrections Subsidy Request (unanimous)
• Reduced Humane Society budget from $7,300 to $5,800 and Historical Society budget from $25,000 to $24,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $28,000 transfer from Fund 2 to Fund 1 for 2023 Fairgrounds costs (unanimous)
• Approved The Review Messenger for 2022 financial statement publication (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Kreklau and Commissioner Noon (alternate) to Kitchigami Regional Library System (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will review the installation and maintenance of mailbox supports policy and hold a Q&A session on solid waste. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions or contracts listed.

• Review of Installation and Maintenance of Mailbox Supports Policy
• Q&A session regarding solid waste

The board held a meeting for discussion purposes only, and no formal board actions were taken. Topics included the review of the mailbox support policy and a question-and-answer session regarding solid waste programs.

County Commissioners

The Wadena County Board of Commissioners will hold its first meeting of 2023, including the election of a chairperson and vice-chairperson. They will also consider consent agenda items such as warrants, contracts, and routine resolutions, as well as regular agenda items including the fairgrounds drainage project, highway purchases, and committee appointments.

• Election of Board Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Approval of warrants and EFT vouchers for December 2022
• Menahga School ECS Contract 2023
• Resolution to adopt the Long Prairie Watershed Plan
• Fairgrounds Drainage Project final review

The Board elected Mike Weyer as Chairperson and Murlyn Kreklau as Vice Chairperson. The Verndale Sun was selected as the official county newspaper for 2023. The Board also approved annual highway maintenance purchases and adopted the Long Prairie Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.

• Elected Mike Weyer as Board Chairperson (Unanimous)
• Elected Murlyn Kreklau as Vice Chairperson (Unanimous)
• Approved $827,000 for Highway Department annual maintenance and operations purchases (Unanimous)
• Appointed The Verndale Sun as the 2023 Official Wadena County Newspaper (4-1)
• Approved payment for Fairgrounds drainage project Change Order 2 from the Fairground Account (Unanimous)
• Adopted the Long Prairie Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved $618,791.54 in warrants for 12-16-2022 and 12-23-22 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Ron Noon to the Todd-Wadena Community Corrections Executive Committee and Advisory Board (Unanimous)