Pursuant to notice, the Murray County Board of Commissioners convened in special session with the following members present:  Commissioners Alfred Gertsema, Robert Moline, Lyle Onken, William J. Sauer and Kevin Vickerman.  Also present Gary D. Spaeth, Auditor/Treasurer, Paul Malone, County Attorney, John Giese and Gerald Magnus, Commissioners-Elect, and Heidi Winter, Auditor/Treasuer-Elect.

The meeting opened by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  The Commissioners remained standing while the Chairman read a proclamation relating to the death of President Gerald Ford.

The Chairman asked if there were any additions to the agenda.  No items were added.

It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to approve the agenda.

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Kevin Vickerman and passed to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2006 meeting.

A motion was duly made by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Lyle Onken, and carried that all claims as presented were approved for payment.  The Chairman was authorized to sign the Audit List dated December 28, 2006 with fund totals as follows and warrants numbered 109361 through 109418:


It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to certify the 2006 CWP Septic System Loans as special assessments:

at 3.00% interest as follows:

at 3.50% interest as follows:

at 4.00% interest as follows:

It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Kevin Vickerman, and passed to keep the 2007 Pocket Gopher Bounty at $1.00.

Commissioner Kevin Vickerman offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-12-28-01
A Resolution Setting the Murray County
Beaver Control Fee for 2007

WHEREAS, Certain types of public property including county roads, ditches, and parks can be adversely affected by nuisance beaver, and
WHEREAS, Murray County occasionally needs to purchase services to have nuisance beaver removed and to provide the necessary financial incentives that service providers require, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Murray County Beaver Control Fee is set at $60 per nuisance beaver that are adversely affecting any county road, ditch, or park.

The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Lyle Onken and thereupon being put to a vote all members of the Board voted for its adoption.

The Board discussed appointments to the Shetek Area Water and Sewer Commission (SAWSC).  They agreed by consent to wait until the meeting on January 2, 2007 to make these appointments.

Jean Christoffels requested approval for overnight stays to attend pre-licensing courses for onsite septic systems.  The courses will be held between March 27 and May 2, 2007 in Mankato, St. Cloud and Waseca.

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to approve overnight stays for Jean Christoffels to attend pre-licensing courses for onsite septic systems being held in March, April, and May, 2007.

Commissioner Kevin Vickerman offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-12-28-02
A Resolution Setting the E911 Assessment for 2007

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 2003-02-18-02 established a ten-year assessment for maintaining E911 rural address signs.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That said Resolution establishing a special assessment is hereby ratified at $2.50 for payable 2007 for all parcels requiring future maintenance of E911 rural address signs.

The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commisisoner Lyle Onken and thereupon being put to a vote all members of the Board voted for its adoption.

Jon Bloemendaal met with the Board to discuss the solid waste assessment for 2007.  There were questions asked about how much was in savings.  He will look for this information and report back later in the meeting.  Jon recommends that the solid waste assessment be set at 75% of the level established in 1992.

Commissioner Alfred Gertsema offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-12-28-03
A Resolution Setting the Solid Waste Assessment for 2007

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 04-11-96 reaffirmed the establishment of a Solid Waste Assessment for years after 1991; and
WHEREAS, Said Resolution states that the future years assessments may be modified or adjusted based upon circumstances existing in such future years
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Solid Waste Assessment for 2007 be set at 75% of the amount reaffirmed by Resolution No. 04-11-96.

The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Robert Moline.

It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Alfred Gertsema, and passed to table Resolution No. 2006-12-28-03 until later in the meeting.

Commissioner Robert Moline offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-12-28-04
A Resolution Stating the 2007 Meal Reimbursement Policy

BE IT RESOLVED, That Murray County’s meal reimbursement will remain at a $35.00 per day limit.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all claims for meal reimbursement be accompanied by a valid receipt that list the name of the establishment, the total amount of the meal and tip� and at least the initials of an employee or the owner of the establishment.

The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Kevin Vickerman and thereupon being put to a vote all members of the Board voted for its adoption.

It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to authorize the Chairman to sign the lease with The Escape Teen Center.

Jon Bloemendaal returned to the meeting at this time.  He indicated that there is $141,000 in reserve.  He also distributed the original assessment worksheet that is the basis for the annual resolution done for the assessment.

The motion to adopt the resolution setting the 2007 solid waste assessment was taken off the table by the Chairman.

Commissioner Alfred Gertsema offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-12-28-03
A Resolution Setting the Solid Waste Assessment for 2007

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 04-11-96 reaffirmed the establishment of a Solid Waste Assessment for years after 1991; and
WHEREAS, Said Resolution states that the future years assessments may be modified or adjusted based upon circumstances existing in such future years
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Solid Waste Assessment for 2007 be set at 75% of the amount reaffirmed by Resolution No. 04-11-96.

The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Robert Moline and thereupon being put to a vote all members of the Board voted for its adoption.

Jon Bloemendaal presented the Tri-County Recycling Agreement with Pipestone County for signature.

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to authorize the Chairman to sign the Tri-County Recycling Agreement with Pipestone County.

Steve Telkamp met with the Board regarding the purchase of a used vehicle for the Sheriff Department.  A quote for a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe for $9,750.00 was provided previously.

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to approve the purchase of a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe for $9,750.00 from Lockwood Motors for the Sheriff Department.

A forfeited vehicle sale was discussed.  Paul Malone will work on getting Steve the information on these vehicles so that a sale can be set up.

It was moved by Lyle Onken, seconded by Alfred Gertsema, and passed to authorize the installation of an antenna for the law enforcement center.

Commissioner Robert Moline offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-12-28-05
A Resolution Setting County Commissioner Salary and
Adopting Schedule of Per Diem for 2007

BE IT RESOLVED, That the annual salary for 2007 for Murray County Commissioner be set at $17,824.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following Schedule of Per Diem of $75 is hereby established for 2007:

Boards, Committees, or Commissions of county government, including Committees of the Board

   Authorization for Board members, as Committees of one or two, for regional and joint powers meetings
The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner Kevin Vickerman and thereupon being put to a vote all members of the Board voted for its adoption.

It was moved by Kevin Vickerman, seconded by Robert Moline, and passed to set the 2007 per meeting pay at $60 for the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.

It was moved by Kevin Vickerman, seconded by Robert Moline, and passed to set the 2007 per meeting pay at $40 for citizens appointed to do committee work.

Robert Klingle presented recommendations from the Personnel Committee for 2007 pay.

It was moved by Kevin Vickerman, seconded by Robert Moline, and passed to accept the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to increase the start on the 2007 classification pay scale by 3% and maintain 2½% between each step for all job classifications not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

It was moved by Kevin Vickerman, and seconded by Robert Moline, to accept the recommendation of the Personnel Committee as follows:

to set the 2007 salary for the County Recorder at $59,172

to set the 2007 salary for County Attorney at $59,400

to set the 2007 salary for Assistant County Attorney at $48,600

to set the 2007 salary for the County Auditor/Treasurer at $52,008

to set the 2007 salary for the County Sheriff at $62,472

to set the 2007 salary for the County Engineer at $84,162

to set the 2007 salary for County Manager of Information Systems and Veteran Service Officer/Safety Coordinator/Emergency Management Director at $52,944

to set the 2007 salary for Hospital Director of Nursing at $74,256

to se the 2007 salary for the Hospital Chief Financial Officer at $67,496

to set the 2007 salary for Hospital Director of Environmental Services at $53,560

to set the 2007 salary for Hospital Director of Respiratory Therapy at $59,552

to set the 2007 salary for the Hospital Laboratory Manager at $57,096

to set the 2007 salary for the Hospital Community Relations/Marketing Director at $40,144

to set the 2007 salary for the Hospital Director of Social Services at $58,136

to set the 2007 salary for the Hospital Director of Information Technology at $65,000

to set the 2007 salary for the Hospital Dietician at $44,304

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to accept the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, with one modification to add $2,000 to the Sheriff salary, for 2007 salaried employees. Commissioner Moline was opposed.

It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to set the annual capital equipment carryover amount from the unused 2006 budget and prior year carryovers:

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to amend the 2006 Budget as follows:
(Previously approved 2006 Budget Amendments)

The 2007 budget was discussed. Commissioner Alfred Gertsema mentioned three items. He would like to see $300,000 budgeted from county revenue reserves for a grandstand, $45,000 for distribution to cities to clean-up for the 150th county celebration, and $3,000 to be included in the 2007 budget for Early Childhood.

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Kevin Vickerman, and passed to include an appropriation to the Early Childhood Development for the 2007 budget.

It was moved by Robert Moline, seconded by Lyle Onken, and passed to adopt the 2007 Murray County Budget with individual Fund totals as follows:


It was moved by Alfred Gertsema to include $300,000 in the 2007 budget for a grandstand and $45,000 in the 2007 budget for city clean-up for the 150th county celebration. The motion died for lack of a second.

Lyle Onken discussed the issue regarding a letter of apology to campers at the Fulda County Park last summer. He stated that Larry Schindler has asked to be taken off the Parks Board. William Sauer stated that he does a lot of volunteer work there and would like him to stay on. It was suggested that he be sent a letter thanking him for his previous work. No action was taken.

The Commissioners gave their committee reports.

Alfred Gertsema reported on Special Board Meeting – December 28.

Robert Moline reported on Special Board Meeting – December 28.

Lyle Onken reported on Special Board Meeting – December 28.

William J. Sauer reported on Special Board Meeting – December 28.

Kevin Vickerman reported on Special Board Meeting – December 28.

It was moved by Alfred Gertsema, seconded by Kevin Vickerman, and passed to approve the Commissioner Vouchers.

The meeting adjourned at 11:42 a.m.