WHEREAS, portions of the Tilson Ski Trail (trail) will cross TH 11 R/W, or run within TH 11 R/W, in the Island View area.

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1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017; 9:20 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Adee, Norby, Skoe MEMBERS ABSENT: Pavleck (Personal), McBride OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Naglosky, Joe Mershon, Steve Shermoen, Paul Nevanen, Kathy LaFrance, Nathan Heibel, Dale Olson, Joe Sutherland, Michael Wellcome, James Yount, Myrna Meadows, AmberBeth VanNingen, Dr. Jeff Hardwig, Burgress Eberhardt, Everett Ramsey, Dan McCarthy, Jean Evans; 93 Radio Reporter Thoms; Journal Reporter Emily Gedde, KCCTV Reporter Gary Kaunonen; KGHS Reporter Jerry Franzen 2017/02-15 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve the agenda with no deletions and the following additions; to authorize the County to schedule a Public Hearing to consider granting a property tax abatement; to approve the International Joint Commission public meeting as a board activity; to request an update from the Land Commissioner on the Great Northern Transmission Line project. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-16 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve the minutes from the February 7, 2017 regular meeting. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-17 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby accepting the notice of hire of Lynn Salo for the Accounting Technician II position effective 2/28/2017 as recommended by the County Engineer and further authorizing the Auditor/Treasurer to fill the vacant Treasurer Assistant position as recommended by the County Auditor/Treasurer s Office. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-18 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve payment of Courthouse claims in the amount of $99,727.74, to approve Health and Human Services claims as presented, and approve payment of Highway claims in the amount of $110, Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-19 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve the following 2017 budget adjustments as recommended by the Director of Administration; add the unused portion of the Aquatic and Invasive Species balance in the amount of $199,430; add the unused portion of the Island View Sewer Planning balance in the amount of $91,227. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-20 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve the following Seasonal Liquor Licenses; The River Golf Course, Inc., (formerly Falls Country Club) DBA The River, Opp Hagemeister Management Inc., DBA Island View Lodge and Sha Sha, LLC, DBA Sha Sha Resort. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-21 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby to approve a three year contract renewal with Hoffman, Philipp, & Knutson, PLLC, for the annual audits of Koochiching County for each year ending December 31, in the amount of $37,000 as recommended by the Director of Administration. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried.

2 2017/02-22 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to authorize Board Members attendance at the public meeting of the International Joint Commission on Thursday, March 7, 2017 at RRCC from 7:00 9:00 pm as a board activity. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 000 County Attorney gave an update on the status of the development agreement between the County and Granite Digital Realty, LLC. County Attorney informed the Board the County is required to hold a public hearing prior to approval of a property tax abatement pursuant to Minnesota Statute Sub 5. County Attorney recommends holding the hearing before Board signature of the development agreement to determine if abatement is in the best interest of the County. County Attorney clarified the County can only abate the county portion of property taxes and wants to make sure the conditions set forth in the development agreement are conditions that can be filled. Developer s Representative said he is expecting the document to be signed today, and without the signature there is no support. Board members commented they support the project but the document is not ready for signature. Again, the County Attorney reiterated his recommendation to wait to sign the development agreement until after the public hearing. County Attorney noted two changes to the document, a correction of a statute number and correcting language relating to tax abatement. Board Chair kept the discussion at the table and did not entertain public comment. Board Chair recommends following advice from the County Attorney. Board members indicated they are all in support of the project, but the County Attorney has recommended to not sign until after the public hearing on tax abatement. Board member asked Developer s Representative about their deadline and he replied the deadline is today, February 28, 2017, and further stated they must have a project they can sell and without an agreement all they have is good will. Board member asked if a certified Board Motion or a resolution would be acceptable and Developer indicated it was not. Developer s Attorney asked about changing language to have an acceptable agreement and Developer stated the most important part of the agreement is related to the purchase of the real estate and not the tax abatement. Developer s attorney proposed adding language to the agreement to state no abatement decision will take place until after the public hearing is held and the Board has time to determine it in the best interest of the County. County Attorney and Developer s Attorney discussed options and language changes coming to an agreement which enabled the County Attorney to recommend the document for Board approval. 2017/02-23 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to accept and authorize board signature to the development agreement with Granite Digital Realty, LLC d/b/a its subsidiary Granite Digital Realty ARCI, LLC contingent upon the language modification agreed upon and as recommended by the County Attorney and further to set a public hearing on March 20, 2017 at 6:30 pm in the County Boardroom for the request of ten years of county property tax abatement for the property located at 1804 Third Avenue West, International Falls, Minnesota, formerly known as the Koochiching County US Army Reserve Center. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 000 The Board recognized the notice of hire of Ariel Schmit to fill the vacant Social Worker position with a start date of 3/6/2017, as recommended by Health and Human Services Director.

3 2017/02-24 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve the Purchase Of Services agreement with Northland Pine View Recovery Center for CD assessments as recommended by the Health and Human Services Director. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried 2017/02-25 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe accepting the following day care licensing as recommended by Health and Human Services Director; Tara Gustafson relicensing for group family day care for fourteen children; Cathy Besser relicensing for group family day care for twelve children; Kathryn Lund and Kristen Tveit closing the home for day care licensing as provider has moved; N Seana Ritch licensing for family day care for 10 children. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 000 Land Commissioner reviewed the results of the February 1, 2017 timber sale in which 19,939 cords were sold for an auction value of $554, Five tracts went unsold but two were picked up after the auction and three remain unsold. 000 Land Commissioner gave an update on the Buffer Program Election of Jurisdiction deadline which BWSR set as March 31, Land Commissioner explained the March 31 deadline is a soft date and that BSWR is recommending counties and watershed districts should not feel compelled to make a decision on buffer enforcement jurisdiction by March 31, This is especially the case if a legislative appropriation would affect a county or watershed decision. It also bears mention that Governor Dayton has proposed $10 million per year in Riparian Aid to counties and watershed districts for the Buffer Program implementation and enforcement. 000 Land Commissioner updated the Board on a proposed bill to allow for a land exchange for tax forfeited land. The bill didn t pass so they are going to start that process again and Land Commissioner will keep the board updated. 2017/02-26 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby that due to abnormal weather conditions this winter causing unfrozen ground conditions the County will grant a no fee one year extension for all timber permits expiring in 2017 including permits already in extension and further authorizing permits reaching their initial expiration date in 2017 to have the 20% payment waived as recommended by the Land Commissioner. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-27 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe accepting the recommendation from the Land Commissioner to approve the repurchase of tax-forfeited property described as Lot 19 & East ½ of Lot 20, Block 42, Plat of International Falls per County Policy and Minnesota Statute 282. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-28 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe accepting the recommendation from the Land Commissioner to approve the repurchase of tax-forfeited property described as Lots 18 & 19, Block 53, Plat of International Falls per County Policy and Minnesota Statute 282. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried.

4 000 Land Commissioner updated Board Members on the progress of the brush clearing for the Great Northern Transmission Line and indicated they got a slow start due to the late freeze and are still slightly behind schedule. 2017/02-29 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to approve the employment separation of Heavy Equipment Operator Tom Ollikkala effective 4/01/2017 due to retirement and thanked him for his 42+ years of service. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-30 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe authorizing the County Engineer to fill the vacant HEO in the International Falls Maintenance Shop. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-31 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby to approve the employment separation of Senior Tech Mike Kochaniuk effective 02/28/2017 due to retirement and thanked him for his 30+ years of service. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-32 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe authorizing the County Engineer to fill the vacant Senior Tech position and further authorizing the County Engineer the flexibility to hire at 100%. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-33 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe adopting the following resolution confirming County Board s request to enter into a Limited Use Permit (LUP) with the State of MN: WHEREAS, portions of the Tilson Ski Trail (trail) will cross TH 11 R/W, or run within TH 11 R/W, in the Island View area. WHEREAS, Limited Use Permit Agreements are required for non-mn/dot infrastructure that is constructed within Mn/DOT R/W, and Limited Use Permit Agreements can only be executed between State of MN and local units of government. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that Koochiching County, as the trail sponsor, has the responsibility for maintenance and repair of the trail at those locations where the trail crosses TH 11 R/W or runs within TH 11 R/W and authorizes execution of a Limited Use Permit Agreement between Koochiching County and the State of Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-34 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe accepting the recommendation of Environmental Services director to approve the Water Plan Advisory Committee members, with the addition of Shawn Pritchard and Commissioner Adee and further approving per diems and mileage for Water Plan Advisory members. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 2017/02-35 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby authorizing the Environmental Services Director to develop a plan for the hiring of County trailers to back haul material from Williams, MN to International Falls. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried.

5 000 Environmental Services Director updated the County Board on the Transfer Station fire and explained the building repairs are covered by insurance at replacement costs, however the equipment is covered at face value, further explaining that the County is given an option to repurchase equipment at a salvage value or accept a face value. Environmental Services Director has decided to buy back two spotter trucks and the Chevrolet pickup at salvage value and has accepted face value for the bobcat and has ordered a glass crusher. Total repair costs for the building are estimated at $240, /02-36 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby accepting the quotes from local contractors for repairs at the Transfer Station as recommended by Environmental Services Director and reviewed by County Attorney. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 000 Environmental Services Director gave an update on the Island View Sewer project and said a small group has been meeting on a regular basis to formulate a plan to move forward. SEH is preparing to bid the project in two parts if that is the chosen route. Discussions with the current bidder as well as various other contractors have taken place. There has been a significant amount of discussion about bidding parts of the project as alternates. Environmental Service Director is contemplating rebidding the project and changing the scope of work. 000 Voyage Forward Representatives who are champions of the destiny drive to promote cross border opportunities informed the Board about a proposal using wireless technology to improve reporting into the United States to meet border crossing regulations. Representatives believe the current system to check back into the United States after travel in Canada using the OARS (Outlying Area Reporting Station) discourages tourism, is unsafe and inconvenient. Representatives are asking the County to send a letter of support to use wireless technology instead of OARS. 2017/02-37 Motion by Skoe, seconded by Norby to send a letter of support to Senators Franken and Klobuchar, Representative Nolan and CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan for the use of wireless technology for reentry into the United States from Canada. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 000 DNR Representative updated the County Board about the proposed DNR acquisition of property from Molpus to create the new Watrous Island Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). DNR Representative informed the Board this property qualifies as a flood plain forest and we do not have a lot of those in our part of the state. An SNA is protected and open to the public allowing forms of legal trapping or hunting, swimming, boat landing, and leashed dogs. Land Commissioner added he doesn t see any negatives as the Island is in a flood plain on the Rainy River and offers no potential commercial use. He further informed the Board the net result of PILT payments in lieu of property tax is four times higher. Board Member asked about burial grounds and remains recently found on the property and DNR Representative responded that any remains, if found, would be protected and part of the story. 2017/02-38 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe adopting the following resolution to approve the states proposed acquisition and designation of lands as an SNA.

6 WHEREAS, In accordance with Minnesota Statutes , Subd. 3 and 97A.145, Subd. 2, 2004 and accordance with Minn. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 262, Sec. 3 (West), Amending Minn. Stat. Sec (2002), the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources on 28 February 2017 provided the county board with a description of lands to be acquired and designated by the State of Minnesota as a Scientific and Natural Area. WHEREAS, Lands to be acquired and designated are described as follows: Government Lots 3 and 4, Section 35; and Government Lot 5, Section 36, all in Township 70 North, Range 27 West, Koochiching County, Minnesota. AND Government Lot 2, Section 12, Township 158 North, Range 25 West, Koochiching County, Minnesota. IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Koochiching County on 28 February 2017 that the State s proposed acquisition and designation of the lands as a Scientific and Natural Area be approved. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. 000 With a time gap on the agenda Board Chair asked to start public comment. Everett Ramsey commented that he lives in Riverside Park and stated the city of Ranier annexed his property without representation. This caused his property taxes to go from $900 to $3,200 per year. Mr. Ramsey read a letter he sent to Koochiching County on December 9, He does not want to pay Ranier taxes, but would like to pay County Taxes. 000 Representatives from the Polar Polers Ski Club updated the Board on the 15 mile Tilson Bay Ski Trail which they maintain. Polar Polers Ski Club wants to build an eight foot wide boarded walkway (Bog Walk) over a swamp for trail walkers and fat tire riders, and to use as an outdoor classroom. This is the second time they have approached the board, last year the Board agreed to be the fiscal agent for the project upon getting a federal grant. The grant was denied and Polar Polers Ski Club representatives have reapplied and improved the application by stating they will hire MN Conservation Corp for part of the work, which gives a preference for federal grants. They have been doing fundraising for the local 25% match requirement and they indicated that Voyage Forward supports this project as a component of tourism and the Bog Walk would benefit many, not just the ski club. They have received individual and business donations and are asking for County funding in the amount of $10,000. County Engineer informed the Board the County has not yet pursued a Limited Use Permit (LUP) for the Bog Walk because MnDOT asked the request for the Bog Walk LUP be separated from the request for an LUP for the existing ski trail and temporary warming house. Board members inquired about funding received from KCDA last year and Representatives informed the Board that funding was for signage. The Board is recommending they go back to the KCDA for additional funding for the Bog Walk as that is the purpose of having the KCDA. 2017/02-39 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe approving an update to a letter of support for the Polar Polers Ski Club grant application and further to approve the County to be the fiscal

7 agent upon grant approval, at no cost to the County. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried. The Board Chair called for public comment at 12:10 p.m. Dan McCarthy stated the request for funding from Polar Polers Ski Club should not have been put on the agenda and further stated he has questions about how the minutes are being edited and summarized in the newspaper. Jean Evans made a comment regarding the possible tax abatement of County property taxes for Granite Digital Realty, LLC and recommended any tax abatement should be done in steps so when the business reaches defined goals they are awarded with a tax abatement. 2017/02-40 Motion by Norby, seconded by Skoe to adjourn the meeting at 12:15 p.m. Voting yes: Adee, Norby, Skoe. Motion carried.