Lake of the Woods County Board Commissioners Meeting Proceedings

July 14, 2025

Lake of the Woods County

Board of Appeal and Equalization

June 16, 2025

Continued June 17, 2025

PURSUANT TO MN. STATUTE 331A.01, SUBD. 10 THE PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY AND THE FULL TEXT IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY AUDITOR/TREASURERS’ OFFICE OR BY STANDARD MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MAIL OR LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY WEBSITE –

www.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization met on Monday, June 16, 2025, in the Commissioners’ Room of the Lake of the Woods County Government Center.

Call to Order County Board Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Cody Hasbargen, Buck Nordlof and County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent: Commissioners Ed Arnesen. Also present were: County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen, and Appraiser Tyler Swanson. County Board Chair Jon Waibel explained the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization. He reminded the public that this meeting was only to hear appeals of the estimated market value (EMV) or classification, not for taxes or prior years’ assessments. He further explained that all appeals would be heard before any action would be taken.

Approve Agenda Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda for June 17, 2025.

County Assessor County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen explained that the valuation period is from sales during October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, and discussed adjustments that had been made during the past year.

Property Owners Meeting with the County Board was Jim Frohreich, property owner in Wheeler Township, Mr. Frohreich relayed his concern on the market value of his property. County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen reviewed the property in question, recent sales and values.

Meeting with the County Board was Kevin Olson, property owner in City of Baudette/Spooner Township.
Mr. Olson relayed his concern on the market value of his property. County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen reviewed the property in question, recent sales and values.

Meeting with the County Board was Tom Hanson, property owner in the City of Baudette.
Mr. Hanson relayed his concern on the market value of his property. County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen reviewed the property in question, recent sales and values.

Meeting with the County Board was Wade Rennemo property owner in Swiftwater Township. Mr. Rennemo relayed his concerns on property values in his area. County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen reviewed the property in question, recent sales and values.

Meeting with the County Board was Mike Huerd property owner in City of Williams. Mr. Huerd relayed his concern on the market value of his property. County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen reviewed the property in question, recent sales, and values.

Value Changes County Assessor Alisa Jacobsen presented additional changes, see attached list, that were received in her office within the previous ten days prior to the Board of Equalization meeting.

Recess Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen to recess and set a Continuation Board of Equalization meeting for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Northwest Angle. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. County Board Chair Jon Waibel recessed the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2025 at 7:55 p.m.

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Reconvene Board of Equalization – June 17, 2025

Motion was made by Cody Hasbargen seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and re-open the 2025 Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Northwest Angle with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, and County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Also present were: County Assessor Alisa Jacaobsen and Appraiser Tyler Swanson. Absent were Commissioners: Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel. It was noted that County Recorder Sue Ney swore in the members of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization for 2025 at the meeting on June 10, 2025.

Vice-Chair Joe Grund explained the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization. He reminded the public that this meeting was only to hear appeals of the estimated market value (EMV) or classification, not for taxes or prior years’ assessments. He explained that all appeals would be heard before any action would be taken. He also explained that the valuation period the Assessor’s Office use is from sales during October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. There was no further discussion.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting

ACTION After hearing all the appeals, questions, comments and research reviewed, the following actions were taken:

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to accept the Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s recommendations on the following properties and to make no changes to values per the attached recommendations: James Frohreich (P#19.29.43.000); Michael Huerd (P#22.16.43.010); Thomas Schlife (P#60.34.44.060); Betty Besser (P#44.06.32.000); Wade Rennemo (P#43.01.43.000).

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Raymond & Amy Friesner property owner Myhre Township, Parcel ID 21.05.32.020, decrease in total land value from $26,400.00 to $26,200.00 due to the land value being too high.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Raymond & Amy Friesner property owner Myhre Township, Parcel ID 21.05.32.010, decrease in total land value from $21,700.00 to $3,700.00 due to the land value being too high.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Thomas & Debra Hanson property owner City of Baudette, Parcel ID 61.62.02.010, decrease in total land value from $81,400.00 to $31,500.00 due to the land value being too high.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Kevin Olson property owner City of Baudette, Parcel ID 61.50.38.070, decrease in total land value from $82,100.00 to $32,300.00 due to the land value being too high.

Adjourn was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to adjourn the County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2025. County Board Chair Cody Hasbargen adjourned the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for 2025, at 10:15 a.m.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the public hearing for Board of Equalization and open the regular meeting.

Attest: Approved: July 8, 2025

_________________________________ ______________________________________
Lorene Hanson, County Auditor-Treasurer Vice-Chair Joe Grund

COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

June 17, 2025

pursuant to MN. Statute 331A.01, subd. 10
the published material is only a summary and the full text is available for public inspection
at the lake of the woods county auditor/treasurers’ office
or by standard mail or electronic mail or lake of the woods county
website -www.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Angle Outpost Resort, Angle Inlet, MN.

Call To Order Vice-Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent were Commissioner: Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel.

Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: Cigarette License, Emergency Services, Disk Mower, and OFRA Grant. Remove: IT Department.

Northerly Park Joe Laurin gave an update on the ongoing Northerly Park project.

Northwest Angle Edgeriders Update

Joe Laurin reviewed various trail projects.

Public Works Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various Highway and Solid Waste Projects.

OPERA Grant Approval Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the OPERA grant in the amount of $18,000.00 for an excavator attachment.

Disk Mower Purchase Approval Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of two disk mowers from Titan for $25,496.00.

PUBLIC HEARING- RECONVENE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION – JUNE 17, 2025

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting

ACTION After hearing all the appeals, questions, comments and research reviewed, the following actions were taken:

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Raymond & Amy Friesner property owner Myhre Township, Parcel ID 21.05.32.010, decrease in total land value from $21,700.00 to $3,700.00 due to the land value being too high.

Amend Agenda Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to add set work session to the agenda.

Set Work Session Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set a work session for land values on November 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Lobbyist Jerry Seck, Megan Knight, and Grady Harn, thanked the Commissioners for inviting them to the meeting and discussed various legislative items that included: Covid-19 Funds, Safe Boat, and Law Enforcement Center Bonding. They also reviewed the process for legislative action and how they help local communities by lobbying for their needs.

Emergency Services Response

Concerned citizen Emily Powassin (Myers) recounted an incident that took place regarding an emergency situation that required immediate response. She was able to transport the individual but was disappointed in the lack of communication and the ambulances’ refusal to cross the border to meet them. She stated that it took an hour and a half for the individual to reach the ambulance from the Northwest Angle for emergency care. Sheriff Gary Fish said he will look further into this matter and find out where the miscommunication took place and work with the board and responders for a resolution.

Auditor-Treasurer Liquor License Approval Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Liquor License application from Angler’s Retreat, LLC.

Cigarette License Approval Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License application from Angler’s Retreat, LLC.

Water Level Discussion

Mike Hirst joined by phone and reviewed water levels on Lake of the Woods.

Safe Boat Update

Sergeant Ben Duick gave an update that included: Safe Boat, County Buoy, and No Wake Zones.

911 Cell Phone Survey Discussion

The board reviewed the recent 911 cell phone survey.

Community Greenhouse

Paul Colson and the board discussed the possibility of a community greenhouse at the Northwest Angle.

Adjourn Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to adjourn the meeting at 12:09 p.m. to be followed by the road tour.

Attest: July 8, 2025

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Vice-Chair Joe Grund

COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

June 24, 2025

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 24,2025 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen, and Buck Nordlof. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: Lost Warrant, JD 28 Petition Update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of June 10, 2025.

SOCIAL SERVICES Claims Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $1,624.59; Commissioners Warrants $3,958.39; Commissioners Warrants $46,845.01.

Donation Acceptance

Resolution

DONATION TO LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY

Pursuant MN Stat. § 465.03

Resolution No. 25-06-02

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Joe Grund and moved for adoption:

WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County Commissioners pursuant MN Stat. § 465.03 (gifts to counties) hereby accepts a donation from the family of Elmerna Buegler for the Lake of the Woods County Social Services Department in the amount of $150.00. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with the terms set forth by the family of Elmerna Buegler, the donors, the funds will be used to support Social Services.

The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.

Auditor/Treasurer Claims Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $24,659.69; Road & Bridge $23,526.29; County Development $600.00; Joint Ditch $1,843.00; Solid Waste $45,149.10; EDA $1,867.86.

WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION

Warrants Approved On 6/24/2025 For Payment 6/27/202

Vendor Name Amount

Baudette/City Of 6,000.00

Counties Providing Technology 4,452.00

Interstate Billing Service Inc 2,963.55

JMD Manufacturing Inc 3,839.69

Just For Kix 2,587.50

Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC 4,627.90

LOW Highway Dept 7,350.00

Mar-Kit Landfill 14,760.00

Marco Technologies LLC 3,072.00

North East Technical Service,Inc 16,448.30

True North Equipment Co 4,756.51

Verus LLC 3,644.00

26 Payments less than 2000 23,144.49

Final Total: 97,645.94

Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: June 6, 2025 for $500,452.31, June 11, 2025 for $55,863.21; June 18, 2025 for $40,953.36.

Set Land Sale Date 2023 & Prior Forfeitures Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to set the land sale date for September 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. for properties that forfeited in 2023 and prior.

NWA Community Greenhouse Appoint Committee Members

Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to appoint the following members to the NWA Community Greenhouse Committee: Ed Arnesen, Joe Grund, Anthony Pirkl, Paul Colson, and Joe Laurin.

Set Work Session Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set a work session for the NWA Community Greenhouse on July 8, 2025 following the regular board meeting.

Affidavit of Lost Warrant Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the affidavit of lost warrant number 42171 in the amount of $55.71.

Human Resources Set Special Meeting Motion

was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to post for interviews on June 30, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. and to set a special meeting for the IT Department on June 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Permission to Adjust Grades for IT Positions Tier I and II Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to adjust the grades for IT positions Tier I and II to Grade 12 and Grade 15.

Sheriff Updates

Sheriff Gary Fish gave an update on the emergency services incident that took place at the Northwest Angle. Sheriff Fish informed the board that he did reach out to the director in Roseau and was assured that this is not the normal response for their protocol and the incident was a miscommunication with dispatch. There was further discussion about the possibility of communication devices for the Northwest Angle and helicopter services. Mr. Fish also gave an update on buoy placement on Lake of the Woods. No action was taken at this time.

Public Works Ditch Authority Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the ditch authority meeting.

JD 28 Petition Update County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on the JD 28 petition and requested permission to move forward with this project.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Joe Grund and carried unanimously to close the ditch authority meeting and open the regular meeting.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously with Commissioner Jon Waibel abstaining to approve the request to bid for the JD 28 project after a permit has been obtained.

Updates County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various Highway and Solid Waste projects. He also informed the board that the public works department is assisting Beltrami County with clean up after the storm and the billing process. It was the consensus of the board to bill Beltrami County only if they are reimbursed for the work by FEMA or the State.

Land & Water Wetland Discussion Land & Water Director Josh Stromlund met with the board to discuss the public drainage system wetland project and requested permission to reach out to John Kolb from Rinke Noonan to draft a letter to the DNR regarding the project.

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the request to have John Kolb draft a letter to the DNR regarding the public drainage system wetlands project.

Recognition of Years of Service-IT Director

Resolution

The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel and moved for adoption:

RECOGNITION OF YEARS OF SERVICE

Peder Hovland

Resolution No. 2025-06-03

WHEREAS, Peder Hovland has served the residents of Lake of the Woods County since June 13, 2005 as Lake of the Woods County IT Director; WHEREAS, Peder Hovland has resigned from Lake of the Woods County Service effective June 27,2025 with 20 years of service; NOW THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners extends its deepest appreciation to Peder Hovland for his dedicated service and best wishes to him; The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote was unanimously carried.

Adjourn Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 a.m.

Attest: July 8, 2025

________________________________ _________________________________

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel

COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

June 30, 2025

Special Meeting

The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, June 30,2025 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.

CALL TO ORDER Chair Jon Waibel called the meeting to order at 9:45a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen, and Buck Nordlof. Also present was County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.

IT Director Motion was made by Commissioner Joe Grund, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to appoint John Butenhoff as Director of Information Technology (IT) at Grade 24, Step 7 at $54.32 per hour and to revisit the position in one year effective June 30, 2025.

IT Systems Support Specialist Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to hire an IT Systems Support Specialist at Grade 12, Step 3 at $27.15 per hour or Grade 12, Step 5 at $28.17 per hour and to revisit the position in six months.

Adjourn Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Attest: July 8, 2025

________________________________ _________________________________

Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Jon Waibel

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