Guy Kohlnhofer, County Engineer & Jessica Brennan, Highway Accountant Road & Bridge 2021 Annual Report Included in the Board packet was the completed 2021 annual report for fund 13, Road & Bridge. The report covered in detail the activities of the various accounts within the Road & Bridge Fund. The activities reported on are the revenues and expenditures necessary for the maintenance of the roads and bridges within the county. Highway Accountant Jessica Brennan was available to answer questions. Ms. Brennan reported that the Highway Department stayed on budget which was quite the feat. Overall, they spent $4,000,000 on construction and $8,000,000 total. Commissioner Peterson wanted to know if there were any issues with the timing of funds coming in or going out? The Highway Accountant reported there were no issues with funds coming in or going out. Commissioner Allen thanked the Highway Department staff for posting drone pictures on their Facebook page of the road work that is being done on County Road 7 in the City of Dodge Center. The aerial pictures were taken above the project and provided a very good viewpoint of the work that is taking place on this project. Ms. Brennen reported Ashley Larson in their office is responsible for getting the pictures and posting them on-line. Commissioner Toquam arrived to the meeting at 9:39 a.m. Thanks Board thanked Mr. Kohlnhofer and Ms. Brennan for the report.
Buffy Beranek, SEMMCHRA Executive Director Funding Request for SEMMCHRA System Replacement Ms. Beranek met with the Board to discuss her request for ARP funding to assist with the SEMMCHRA system replacement. SEMMCHRA is requesting assistance, from the Counties through the ARP funding resources, with the cost of implementation and the hiring of a temporary full-time staff person to assist with the conversion of the software system at an estimated cost of $74,696. Goodhue County agreed to pay for the contracted system cost. Wabasha County assisted SEMMCHRA with CARES Act dollars to keep their organization safely open through the pandemic with capital, computer and software upgrades. Winona County will make their determination on June 28th for SEMMCHRA’s ARP funding request. Ms. Beranek informed the Board that there is approximately $6,800 from the software upgrade that is unfunded, this figure was not included in the Board packet material. The Executive Director stated due to staffing vacancies, they have been able to fund the temporary full-time staff person from SEMMCHRA’s operating budget. Ms. Beranek was happy to report, they have filled their administrative manager position as of July 11th and their property management position as of July 25th. SEMMCHRA’s request from Winona and Dodge Counties is to assist with the salary/benefits for this temporary position for the remainder of the system implementation. Their scheduled Go-Live date is November 1, 2022 with an anticipated four months of “bugs” and additional module implementation. The annual salary and benefits for this temporary position is approximately $56,000, the estimated remaining/prorated 7 months temporary salary/benefits (through 2/2023) is approximately $33,000. If this was split between Winona and Dodge Counties, the request from each would be $16,500. The amount that Ms. Beranek is requesting help with from both counties is $16,500 plus the unfunded software upgrade amount of $3,400 for a new total of $19,900. Commissioner Allen reported that he is against the request, he wasn't sure how much Dodge County benefited from the relationship with SEMMCHRA and noted the county spent years trying to get out of SEMMCHRA. Mr. Allen stated we have the Dodge County Historical Society and Fair Board that need money too and he's not convinced SEMMCRA is doing anything for the county. In addition, Commissioner Allen commented he wasn't supportive of giving any more money to SEMMCHRA, especially since they just learned today that more money was needed for software upgrades. Commissioner Toquam informed the Board that Ms. Beranek is leading the charge at SEMMCHRA and doing a good job. Ms. Toquam felt the Executive Director is going good things for the cities of West Concord and Claremont. Motion by Toquam seconded by Kenworthy to approve and authorize a payment of $16,500 to SEMMCHRA with ARP funds. Motion Adopted [4 to 1] Lisa Kramer, Finance Director Bills Reviewed Ms. Kramer reviewed bills with the Board. Motion by Toquam seconded by Allen to approve the bills as discussed in the following amounts from the appropriate funds as determined by Finance: 01 Revenue Fund $ 131,265.33 13 Road and Bridge Fund $ 48,416.30 Environmental Quality Fund $ 149,454.22 19 Eda/Hra-Dodge County $ 6,895.75 32 County Capital Projects $ 342,988.00 Total $ 679,019.60 Motion Adopted [Unanimous] 2022 Supplemental Mileage Reimbursement Rate The Finance Director reported as a result of the increased fuel prices, the IRS has raised the mileage rate effective July 1, 2022. The IRS mileage reimbursement rate is currently 58.5 cents per mile and is increasing to 62.5 cents per mile beginning July 1, 2022. This is a 4-cent increase from the first 6 months of the year. Commissioner Toquam wanted to know if the county ever used a mileage reimbursement rate other than the IRS standard mileage rate. Ms. Kramer reported that at the beginning of each year she reviews what the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate is and brings it to the County Board for approval. They have always recommended that the county follow the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate. Discussion took place regarding whether or not it was necessary to bring the reimbursement rate to the Board for approval every year if it's always set at the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate. The Board was in agreement that it wasn't necessary to approve the rate annually. It was agreed that allowing the Finance Director to adjust the rate as needed to alignment with the IRS rate would ensure that the county's rate would remain current during fluctuating fuel prices. Motion by Toquam seconded by Allen to approve and authorize the Finance Director to indefinitely adjust the mileage reimbursement rate as need to reflect the most current IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate, which is currently 62.5 cents per mile, effective July 1, 2022. Motion Adopted [Unanimous] New Employee Introduction Zoning Administrator Catherine Grondin introduced Samantha Johnson who is the new Environmental Administrative Technician in Environmental Services. The Board welcomed Ms. Johnson. Catherine Grondin, Zoning Administrator Planning Commission Recommendation Ms. Grondin presented for the Board’s consideration the July 6, 2022 Planning Commission recommendations.
The Zoning Administrator discussed IUP #22-05 Borcherding. Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Tjosaas to approve of the following action of the Planning and Zoning Commission as reviewed on July 6, 2022 with the reasons, recommendations and conditions as found in the individual permit: IUP #22-05 Borcherding The first public hearing is to consider an application for Interim Use Permit #22-05 for a temporary second dwelling. The property is located in the Agricultural District on approximately 10 acres, Section 11, Wasioja Township. The applicant and property owner are Chris Borcherding. RECOMMENDATIONS The Environmental Services Staff recommends approval of the Interim Use Permit (I.U.P.) as the request meets the ordinance requirements and criteria. The following conditions are recommended: 1. Documentation of the temporary second dwelling building sewer’s connection to the existing dwelling sewer along with an as-built/final drawing of the connection shall be required prior to the temporary second dwelling being occupied. A pressure test form shall be provided if the building sewer is located between 20’-50’ of the well, the building sewer must not be closer than 20’ to the well. A Septic Permit will be required in the event a tank needs to be added or if modifications have to be made to the current septic system. 2. An Ag Covenant shall be signed and recorded prior to issuance of the Zoning Permit. 3. A Dodge County Zoning Permit shall be obtained before construction or before any structure is moved onto the property. 4. The temporary second dwelling will need to share an access driveway to 595th Street with the Single Family Primary Dwelling Unit. The drive shall adhere to the requirements of the Dodge County Road Authority. 5. The property owners shall be required to sign and record a restrictive covenant which would prevent the TSDU from being split off and sold as a separate Single Family Primary Dwelling Unit Site. 6. The property owners shall supply ownership information for the park model home to the Environmental Services Department. 7. In compliance with Section 16.20.1 of the Dodge County Zoning Ordinance, the IUP for the temporary second dwelling shall expire five (5) years from the date of County Board approval. The IUP may be extended for one (1) additional five (5) year term, provided; a. The IUP is not null and void under the terms of Section 16.20.D.I or 16.20.D.II, above. b. The IUP extension request is accompanied by a signed statement from other landowners in the quarter section who are eligible for a TSDU, which indicates they understand they are foregoing their right to a TSDU for an additional five (5) year time period, and c. The extension request is received by the ES Department a minimum of ninety (90) days before expiration, and d. The County Board approved the extension request before the expiration date of the IUP, which is five (5) years from the date of original County Board approval. Motion Adopted [Unanimous] Melissa DeVetter, Project Manager MDH Accelerated Implementation Radium Grant Ms. DeVetter informed the Board the Galena limestone aquifer is a major source of drinking water for citizens of Dodge County and the surrounding region. In 2014 and 2015, radium (gross alpha) results from testing of a private drinking water well located one mile south and west of Claremont significantly exceeded the drinking water standard. When considered together with the multiple exceedances of the radium drinking water standard observed in the Claremont city well (also a Galena well), it raises questions and concern of more widespread elevated radium in other private drinking water wells finished in this aquifer. Although, radionuclides occur naturally in Minnesota and can be found in small amounts in groundwater, it is found primarily in sandstone aquifers, such as the St. Peter. Consuming water that has radium levels near or in exceedance of the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5.0 pCi/L exposes individuals to doses of radiation every day. This exposure, when combined with other sources, can increase the risk of developing health issues, including but not limited to blood and bone cancer. Previous consultations with Minnesota Department of Health staff following these observations offered a couple of possible explanations, both of which will be explored during this project. In the December 21 st, 2010 (Lundy) study titled “Distribution of Radium in Minnesota Drinking Water Aquifers”, it was noted that out of 162 tests of combined radium in public drinking water supply wells, the four that exceeded the combined radium MCL were all within the DesMoines Lobe footprint. One hypothesis for this occurrence is that the abrasive action of the DesMoines Lobe, as it moved southward, could have scraped away portions of the St. Peter and deposited them along the edge of the lobe, which is locate above the Galena limestone aquifer. As time passed, leaching of rainwater through the elevated portions of the St. Peter moved the associated radium deposits down into the Galena aquifer, and is responsible for the elevated presence of radium in the Galena wells along the edge of the DesMoines. However, the more likely explanation for the presence of radium observed in the private drinking water well finished in the Galena aquifer could be attributed to one of the faults associated with the Mid-Continent Rift. These are major faults that extend all the way through southeastern Minnesota sedimentary bedrock and into Precambrian bedrock below. In this case, the presence of radium in the Galena aquifer could be the result of an upwelling of groundwater from the lower St. Peter sandstone aquifer. Along this flow path, anoxic, iron reducing conditions in confined areas of the aquifer may provide geochemical conditions that promote the mobilization of radium to solution, according to study published in Science Direct (February 2018) regarding radium mobility and the age of groundwater in public drinking water supplies. Dodge County Environmental Services applied for the Minnesota Department of Health’s Accelerated Implementation Grant to further investigate this issue. Minnesota Department of Health staff notified the county that the proposed project had been approved for full funding in the amount of $42,920.00. The goal of this grant project is to determine if there is a correlation between the presence, concentration and spatial representation of radium in private drinking water wells appropriating water from the Galena aquifer located in the DesMoines Lobe in proximity to the fault associated with the Mid-Continent Rift, or if the presence of radium observed in the wells in this area were an isolated incident. Should a correlation exist, the objective is to use this information to educate landowners of the potential risks associated with consumption of their water and to identify treatment options and to identify the potential source of the radium in the Galena aquifer. Selected wells will be sampled for Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Arsenic, Bromide, Chloride, Sulfate, Nitrate +Nitrite, Iron, Manganese, Gross Alpha, Radium-226 and Radium-228. Sampling would also involve collecting field parameters including: pH, conductivity, and temperature to check for stabilization. The outcome of this project is the potential ability to apply the results of this Dodge County study to adjacent counties that have similarly situated wells located in the proximity of the Mid[1]Continent Rift that are appropriating water from the Galena aquifer. In addition, the information obtained from the sampling efforts could result in the explanation of why radium is even present in the Galena aquifer. The end result of this effort could be a map showing the geographic distribution of radium in private drinking water wells in relation to the DesMoines Lobe and Mid-Continent Rift fault line. This map would be able to prepare staff for future implementation and mitigation efforts as it may provide information that can be used to quickly target other homeowners outside of the study area who may be at risk of having radium present in their drinking water. Those identified can be contacted to educate them about proactive and inexpensive home water treatment mitigation measures that can be taken, which can include reverse osmosis, properly functioning water softeners, and ion exchange systems, as well as financial resources that may be available for these options. Following sampling, Department staff will work with the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Geological Survey to assess samples for determining the source water of the radium, which will expand the understanding of radium in the Galena aquifer. For those wells where the first round of sampling indicated a radium issue and where a treatment system is installed, Dodge County will conduct follow-up testing of the same parameters to re-evaluate the drinking water quality and effectiveness of the selected treatment. Included in the Board packet was the proposed Grant Agreement for the radium project (SWIFT Contract Number: 213001) in the amount of $42,920.00. There is no required county match for this grant and county labor involved with well and field sampling will be reimbursed by the grant funds in accordance with Exhibit B (Grantees Budget). Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Allen to approve and authorize the Grantee’s Authorized Representative, Melissa DeVetter, to sign the Minnesota Department of Health Grant Agreement in the amount of $42,920.00 so that it can be executed by Minnesota Department of Health and work can begin to further investigate the presence of radium in Dodge County drinking water supplies. Motion Adopted [Unanimous] University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership Grant The Project Manager reported Dodge County owns and manages the Dodge County Transfer Station and Recycling Center (DCTSRC) and adjacent properties. This facility currently partners with Olmsted County to produce electricity from solid waste through the Waste to Energy Facility. It also houses a single sort recycling collection center and works with the public and local businesses to reduce waste, increase recycling, and support efforts for composting. Adjacent lands that are part of the DCTSRC facility operations includes an accessory solar energy facility to provide clean energy and approximately 16 acres of native prairie planted to offset the carbon footprint and provide beneficial habitat. Recently, the Environmental Services Department also secured funding for the construction of a building to serve as a local collection center, partnering with Rochester’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore to promote beneficial reuse of materials, consistent with existing facility goals and operations. In December 2021, Dodge County Environmental Services obtained County Board approval to pursue development of a public park with a trail system on 32 acres of land adjacent to the DCTSRC facility. The park project, developed in three phases over approximately five years, will complement existing DCTSRC efforts through its message on the importance of environmental, social and economic responsibility and sustainability which will be demonstrated through its development, features, programming and on-going operation. Development of Phases 1 and 2 of the public park project are currently underway. Phase 1 involves the enhancement of the wooded screening buffer into a mixed native forest stand, providing beneficial food and cover for wildlife. Phase 2 of the project restores a former soybean field and farmed wetlands into a native prairie planting and wet meadow with an emphasis on forbs to attract, retain and provide beneficial habitat with a primary focus on pollinators. Phase 3 is development of the educational components of the park including demonstration rain gardens, plant and pollinator identification areas, exhibits, a sculpture and an environmental learning center building. As one part of Phase 3, the Environmental Services Department submitted a project brief to the University of Minnesota’s Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership for the development of architectural designs for the proposed environmental learning center (ELC). This building would serve as a space for environmental education classes, exhibits and programming to promote the messages of environmental, social and economic responsibility and sustainability. The ELC would embody these principals as the goal is to achieve a “net zero energy” building that would be constructed from recycled and reused materials that might otherwise end up in a demolition landfill. It is anticipated that the ELC would initially be available to the schools, community education programs, and civic organization meetings; however, the end goal is for all visitors to have access during park hours, when the building is able to be appropriately staffed. The outdoor education area associated with the ELC building will be open to the public year-round during normal park hours. Dodge County’s proposal for the development of architectural design plans for the ELC was selected for funding and staff will be working with U of M staff and students on the design plans. Ms. DeVetter stated no funds or county match are required by the county other than reporting. Motion by Kenworthy seconded by Toquam to approve and authorize Environmental Services to work with the University of Minnesota Extension to secure an Environmental Learning Center Plan Grant to develop architectural design plans for the proposed Dodge County Park Environmental Learning Center Project. The Board thanked Ms. DeVetter for the information. Motion No Vote Paul Kiltinen, County Attorney Mr. Kiltinen provided the Board with a legal update. The County Attorney informed the Board that South Country has engaged Lockridge, Grindal and Nauen (LGN) to represent South Country and the counties for the DHS mediation process to object the Department’s decision to disregard the County’s decision to provide healthcare services under state statute to eligible recipients, South Country and MnPrairie would like to one-source for Medicare. This representation will be funded through South Country. Yesterday Leota Lind from South Country Health Alliance provided the county with a sample resolution which would authorize legal representation for Dodge County in mediation in challenging the DHS’s procurement determinations. Commissioner Toquam offered the following resolution (#2022-38), seconded by Commissioner Allen: Resolution Authorizing Legal Representation WHEREAS, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners objects to the Department's decision to disregard the County’s decision to provide healthcare services under Minn. Stat. § 256B.69 and Minn. Stat. § 256B.692 to eligible recipients of Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) and Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+), and Minnesota’s Families and Children’s Program (F&C) within the County; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County Board of Commissioners previously authorized the County to request mediation under Minn. Stat. § 256B.69, subd. 3a to challenge the Department’s procurement decision; and WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners has authorized [SCHA] as a single entity representing a group of counties, including Dodge County, to seek mediation with the Department; and WHEREAS, the South Country Health Alliance Joint Powers Board has retained the law firm of Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP to represent South Country Health Alliance in mediation with the Department pursuant to Minn. Stat. §256B.69, subd. 3a(d), both on behalf of the County individually and through [SCHA] as the single entity representing a group of county boards in challenging the Department’s procurement determinations in mediation or, as necessary, in other legal action. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, hereby authorizes Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP to represent the County in mediation with the Department pursuant to Minn. Stat. §256B.69, subd. 3a(d), both on behalf of the County individually and through [SCHA] as the single entity representing a group of county boards. Resolution Adopted [Unanimous] Matt Maas, PSAP/Emergency Management Director Dodge County Hazard Mitigation Plan Mr. Maas reported Emergency Management Staff has worked with the University of Minnesota and State Officials over the last year to update the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan was originally written and adopted by the County Board in 2010. This plan is required by FEMA and HSEM as a grant requirement. Having a plan like this in place to mitigate the damages from disasters in Dodge County enables Dodge County to apply for and receive state and federal disaster funds upon a declared disaster. Included in the Board packet was the final hazard mitigation plan that has been approved by FEMA. This plan is also being adopted by all of the cities and townships within Dodge County as they participated in creating the plan. The PSAP/Emergency Management Director is requesting approval of the proposed resolution adopting this hazard mitigation plan. Commissioner Kenworthy thanked Mr. Maas for his work on the plan. Mr. Maas reported Erin Speck did a lot of work on this plan too. Commissioner Allen offered the following resolution (#2022-39), seconded by Commissioner Kenworthy: Adoption of the Dodge County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan WHEREAS, the County of Dodge has participated in the hazard mitigation planning process as established under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000; and WHEREAS, the Act establishes a framework for the development of a multi-jurisdictional County Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the Act as part of the planning process requires public involvement and local coordination among neighboring local units of government and businesses; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County Plan includes a risk assessment including past hazards, hazards that threaten the County, an estimate of structures at risk, a general description of land uses and development trends; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County Plan includes a mitigation strategy including goals and objectives and an action plan identifying specific mitigation projects and costs; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County Plan includes a maintenance or implementation process including plan updates, integration of the plan into other planning documents and how Dodge County will maintain public participation and coordination; and WHEREAS, the Plan has been shared with the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review and comment; and WHEREAS, the Dodge County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan will make the county and participating jurisdictions eligible to receive FEMA hazard mitigation assistance grants; and WHEREAS, this is a multi-jurisdictional Plan and cities that participated in the planning process may choose to also adopt the County Plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Dodge supports the hazard mitigation planning effort and wishes to adopt the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Resolution Adopted [Unanimous] Jim Elmquist, County Administrator Personnel Actions Reviewed Mr. Elmquist presented the Personnel Agenda for the Board’s consideration. Motion by Toquam seconded by Kenworthy to approve the following personnel actions: A. Sheriff A.1 Marissa Erdman - Public Safety Telecommunicator Authorization to hire at B23 step 4 $23.34 to fill approved vacancy. Effective Date: 7/11/22 A.2 Annalise Jobes - Public Safety Telecommunicator Authorization to hire at B23 step 4 $23.34 to fill approved vacancy. Effective Date: 7/25/22 A.3 Paula Shaner - Public Safety Telecommunicator Authorization to hire at B23 step 4 $23.34 to fill approved vacancy. Effective Date: 7/25/22 B. Public Health B.1 Mayra Monarrez - Community Health Worker Authorization to change status from Bi-Lingual Specialist to Community Health Worker B23 step 9 $20.41 to fill approved vacancy. Effective Date: 7/12/22 Motion Adopted [Unanimous] Mr. Elmquist provided the Board with a County Administrator update. The County Administrator informed the Board there will be a closed session after the next meeting to discuss union negotiations. Mr. Elmquist reported DFO has asked for a name change recommendation from Dodge County in order to move forward with redoing the community corrections joint powers agreement between Dodge County and Olmsted County since Fillmore County will be dropping out of DFO at the end of this year. Commissioner Kenworthy suggested D & O to differentiate between other organizations with the same letters. Other name options were discussed. It was the consensus of the Board to suggest D & O as the new name for the community corrections joint powers agreement between Dodge County and Olmsted County. Motion No Vote Public Health Committee Report - Commissioner David Kenworthy The Public Health Director was unavailable for the meeting today so there was no Public Health Committee meeting to report. Motion No Vote Administration Committee Report - Commissioner Rodney Peterson Commissioner Peterson presented a summary of the Administration Committee report and action items. Commissioners provided their agency reports. Commissioner Allen did not have any meetings to report. Commissioner Kenworthy didn't have any meetings to report. Commissioner Peterson attended a One Watershed One Plan Board meeting and a MnPrairie Board meeting. Commissioner Tjosaas attended a meeting with the Sheriff and a meeting with the Finance team. Commissioner Toquam attended a SHCA meeting. Motion No Vote The County Administrator discussed with the Board removing the Other Deferred Business items listed on the back page of the agenda. One of the items listed has resolved itself and the other issue will be brought up for further discussion next year. Motion by Allen seconded by Toquam to remove the following items from the Deferred Business section of the agenda: Enrolling Part-Time Law Enforcement Officers into Police & Fire PERA and Bingo Pavilion Quotes.
