MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Grand Marais, Minnesota

August 12, 2008

The Board met in regular session this 12th day of August, 2008, at the Courthouse in Grand Marais,

Minnesota.

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. with the following members present: Commissioners Hall,

Fenwick, Martinson, and Johnson. Absent: Commissioner Sobanja.

County Board Chair Martinson led the Commissioners in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion was

made by Hall, seconded by Johnson, and carried to amend the agenda for the meeting as presented.

Correspondence-Memos

A. MN Transportation Alliance Legislative Updates for 7/18/08 and 8/1/08. Information.

B. Materials for 7/30/08 meeting of MN Rural Counties Caucus. Information.

C. Materials for 7/30-31/08 meeting of Assn. of MN Counties. Information.

D. Materials for 7/21/08 meeting of Laurentian Resource Conservation & Development

Council. Information.

E. Materials for 7/14/08 meeting of NE Waste Advisory Council. Information.

F. Materials re: Watershed Basin Management, 2/22/08. Information.

G. Memos from Sheriff Pat Medure, 7/24/08, re: proposed regional radio board. Information.

H. Tofte/Schroeder Sanitary Sewer District meeting minutes for 6/16/08. Information.

I. Materials for 7/22/08 meeting of Univ. of MN Extension Committee. Information.

J. Letter from Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce, 8/1/08, re: meeting with Rep.

David Dill. Information.

K. Letter from MN Dept. of Corrections, 7/21/08, re: Sentencing to Service Second Quarter

2008 update. Information.

L. Letter from MN Counties Insurance Trust, 7/25/08, re: 2008 Dividend Notice.

Information.

M. Materials for 8/4/08 meeting of the Cook County Revolving Loan Fund committee.

Information.

N. Cook County Board of Commissioner meeting minutes from 6/10.08 through 6/24/08.

Motion was made by Hall, seconded by Johnson, and carried to approve the County Board

minutes as presented with one correction.

A motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Hall, and carried to add another issue to the County Board

meeting agenda regarding Revolving Loan Fund issues.

Wayne Hensche, contracted county surveyor, appeared before the Board. Hensche provided an update

regarding the Irish Creek survey, which he is conducting. Hensche also presented a Memorandum of

Agreement between Cook County and the USDA Forest Service, which would allow him to borrow 4

GPS receivers and tri-pods, at no cost to the county, to facilitate completion of the survey in a timely

manner. Motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Fenwick, and carried to approve the Memorandum

of Agreement between Cook County and the USDA Forest Service for the loan of said equipment as

presented.

Patty Johnson appeared before the Board on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service to discuss implementation

of the Cook County Community Wild Fire Plan. Johnson presented a participation agreement between the

USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest, and Cook County, Minnesota, so that Cook County

would serve as fiscal agent for a $245,000.00 federal grant, of which $243,000.00 would be used for

hazardous fuels clean up on State and private lands, and $2,000.00 would be given to the County for costs

incurred in administering the grant. Motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Hall, and carried to agree

to serve as fiscal agent for Forest Service Agreement No. 08-PA-11090903-054 as presented.

Mary Black, Assessor/Land Commissioner, appeared before the Board. Black presented a capital

purchase request in the amount of $1,500.00 to purchase a GPS-enabled digital camera. This camera

maps GIS coordinates when it takes pictures which would be useful for numerous county departments.

Motion was made by Hall, seconded by Fenwick, and carried to approve the capital purchase request for a

camera as presented.

Black presented two abatement applications, as a cabin was credited to the wrong parcel. Motion was

made by Johnson, seconded by Fenwick, and carried to approve an abatement application from Klemet

and Janet Treus (parcel ID # 50-555-0120) and Joseph VanGoey (parcel ID # 50-555-0130) as presented.

Black reported that she conducted some research and found that there were no gravel resources on either

the airport or Lost Lake parcels that the Minnesota DNR will be placing up for sale. Following

discussion with the Commissioners, Black will inform the DNR that the County is not interested in

purchasing either parcel, so they can proceed to offer them for sale to the general public.

Nancy Seaton appeared before the Board on behalf of the Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive Council. Seaton

reported that the NSSD Council received a Scenic Byway Grant to install 6 rock cairn welcome signs

along the North Shore Scenic Drive, with hopes of additional funding to install signs in more locations in

future years. Seaton requested $5,500.00 from the County Park & Recreation Fund to contribute as the

local match to the Scenic Byway Grant in addition to other funds that have been raised for this sign

construction project.

At 9:00a.m. Commissioner Sobanja appeared before the meeting.

The County Board discussed the request for Park & Recreation Funds for the Scenic Byway Rock Cairn

Sign project. Motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Fenwick, and carried by the following vote to

grant $5,500.00 from the County Park & Recreation Fund for said purpose. Ayes – Fenwick, Hall,

Johnson, Martinson. Nays – None. Abstained- Sobanja, as he was not party to the entire discussion

regarding this proposal.

Shae Kosmalski, County Highway Engineer, appeared before the Board with several issues. Kosmalski

requested permission to solicit bids for striping of designated county roads. Motion was made by Sobanja,

seconded by Fenwick, and carried to authorize solicitation of bids as requested.

Kosmalski reported that she solicited bids for repair work on County Roads 58 and 60, and received one

bid from Edwin E. Thoreson, Inc., for time, equipment, and materials. Motion was made by Hall,

seconded by Fenwick, and carried to award CP 08-58-01 to Edwin E. Thoreson, Inc. as presented.

Kosmalski provided an update of flood recovery activities conducted by the Cook County Highway

Department. Kosmalski distributed certificates of recognition and appreciation to the Cook County

Highway Department staff, for the excellent work undertaken as a result this incident. Kosmalski also

reported that Cook County would receive some FEMA funds to reimburse for expenses, and is applying

for additional FHWA funding. Approximately $250,000.00 has been spent to date to make flood repairs.

Kosmalski requested permission to advertise for bids for professional services regarding the Gunflint

Trail Vegetative Management Plan project, which will be funded by the Federal Scenic Byways grant that

was given to the Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive Council. Motion was made by Johnson, seconded by

Sobanja, and carried to approve advertisement for the Gunflint Trail Vegetative Management Plan Project

as requested.

Kosmalski requested permission to advertise for CSAH 13 road repairs, which would be funded from

State Aid Disaster Relief Funds. Motion was made by Hall, seconded by Sobanja, and carried to

advertise for the CSAH 13 road repair project as requested.

Kosmalski reported that she received a special permit application for the Sawtooth Mountain Bike

Challenge, which is being held on August 23, 2008. Judie Johnson was present to discuss this event.

Johnson reported that the Sheriff’s Department has agreed to help with traffic control and the City of

Grand Marais will help with road blockades. 42 racers are currently registered, though the sponsoring

organization anticipates approximately 100 participants. Motion was made by Sobanja, seconded by

Johnson, and carried to approve this special event permit for the Sawtooth Mountain Bike Challenge as

requested.

Commissioner Fenwick moved the adoption of the following resolution and upon seconding by

Commissioner Sobanja was adopted by unanimous yea vote of all members present:

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-62

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following claims totaling $ 1,210,855.73 having been audited and

found to be true and correct claims against Cook County, are approved and the Auditor-

Treasurer is hereby authorized to draw warrants in payment of said claims:

Per Diemsto be paid on July 18, 2008 Payroll

Cook County Commissioners

Fenwick/Robert 745.00

Hall/Janice 425.00

Johnson/James 750.00

Martinson/Bruce 825.00

Sobanja/Fritz 1,025.00

Per Diems to be paid on August 15, 2008 Payroll

Fenwick/Robert 1,290.00

Hall/Janice 860.00

Johnson/James 1,200.00

Martinson/Bruce 925.00

Sobanja/Fritz 1,300.00

Revenue Fund

Abrahamson/Joan 77.56

Alt.com 4,341.83

Apple Time Inc 452.57

Arrowhead Pharmacy 4.00

Arrowhead Regional Correction 17,154.75

Bear Graphics Inc 85.87

Black Spruce Consulting LTD 1,545.39

Bob Barker Co Inc 65.01

Bucks Hardware Hank 169.18

Bucks Radio Shack 72.39

C D W Government Inc 446.18

Cook County North Shore Hospital 995.00

Crackleberry Group/The 1,072.98

D J Smith Trucking 1,364.50

D S C Communications 437.72

Dalco 326.22

Delich/Debra 101.09

Ege/Duane 4,274.56

Engelking/John 30.00

Fairview Univ Medical Center 575.00

Fenwick/Robert 1,648.45

Fillmore County Sheriff 60.00

Franz Reprographics 279.00

Fryberger Buchana Smith L T 1,403.55

Goodell/Donald F 30.00

Grafix Shoppe 669.93

Grand Marais Auto Parts 207.82

Grand Marais Motors Inc 1,027.31

Graybar Inc 218.75

Hedstrom Lumber 1,500.00

Jason Hill Excavating 1,223.00

Johnson/Gloria Hall 140.00

Johnson/James 943.52

Kennedy/Kolleen 73.83

Lake County Sheriff 4,900.00

Lambrides/Alicia 43.93

Lighthouse Power Systems LLC 1,399.72

Lunde/Leif 166.65

L3 Communications 764.14

MacLean/Bonnie 38.19

Martinson/Bruce 536.16

Mathis/Jean 30.00

Mikes Holiday Grand Marais 169.94

Miller/Timothy 30.00

MN S W A A 50.00

Nelms/Dusty 147.72

Nelson Towing 237.50

Northeast Service Coo9perative 150.00

Orange Tree Employment Screen 6.00

Pederson/Paul 105.95

Petz/Bennett O 270.00

Phillips/Donald 129.61

Quill Corp 1,495.35

Routh/Mary 49.89

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic 696.00

Sivertson/Judy 150.00

Smith’s Laundry 238.56

Sobanja/Fritz 737.59

Sopoci/Robert 35.85

Stone/Clifford 266.46

Streichers 3,732.93

Studio North Graphics 195.36

Superior Lumber 600.19

Swanson Law Office, P.C. 185.00

Taser International 953.00

Tormondsen/Dale 1,450.76

Tremco Police Products 436.80

Twin Ports Paper & Supply 216.28

Uniforms Unlimited 121.25

Univ of MN – Duluth 300.00

Whittet/Kathi 30.00

Winona County Sheriff 120.00

Road & Bridge Fund

L & S Electric Inc 275.84

Building Fund

API Electric 589.18

Airport Fund

Grand Marais Auto Parts 20.36

Soil & Water Conservation District Fund

Beater/Tristan 164.85

Early Payables

Centurytel 86.33

Frontier 306.25

Minnesota Revenue 271.89

North Shore Fed Credit Union 57.50

Public Utilities Commission 1,626.46

Qwest 12.08

Rockhurst Univ CEC Inc 400.00

Steves Sports & Auto 10,263.97

Verizon Wireless 27.97

W D S E TV 20.00

Centurytel 35.67

Como Oil Co 6,993.22

North Shore Oil Co 34,842.97

Northland Bituminous Inc 199,524.74

Back Office Services Inc 90.00

Boreal Access 34.90

Wildlife Supply Co 46.95

Grand Marais/City of 9,564.86

Gunflint Trail Assn 3,975.83

Lutsen Tofte Schroeder Tourism 9,264.91

A M E N 125.00

Anderson/Cristina 10.00

Arrowhead Electric Coop 158.03

Breezy Point Resort 540.00

Caribou Highlands Lodge 1,552.84

Cook Co Grand Marais Joint Ed 738.00

F S H Communications LLC 127.80

First Tennessee Bank 121.00

Nelson/Tim 131.04

Office of Enterprise Technology 11.02

Public Utilities Commission 3,784.39

Arrowhead Electric Coop 223.54

Public Utilities Commission 1,020.89

Verizon Wireless 87.54

Silver Bay Area Tourism Assn 2,335.23

MN Comm of Finance-Treas Div 7,371.50

MN State Treasurer 227.50

Arrowhead Electric Coop 733.76

E C S U 91,488.00

Gunflint Trail Fire Dept 14,766.62

M E H A 30.00

Qwest 607.34

Shapiro Nordmeyer & Zielke 92.00

Verizon Wireless 355.33

Visa:

Holiday Inn 410.65

Credit Return 44.51-

Holiday Inns 151.72

Radisson Hotel 271.44

Maddens on Gull 200.00

Holiday Inns 271.44

Best Western 179.20

Best Western 179.20

Super & Motels 65.70

Onstar Subscript 18.95

Waseca Inn & Suites 153.28

AGR Gardener Sup 94.29

AGR Gardener Dup 652.78

W T I P Radio 8,859.98

MN U C Fund 1,142.82

Qwest 219.51

Arrowhead Electric Coop 1,196.13

Boreal Access 34.90

Visa:

Radio Shack 18.02

Radio Shack 21.94

MN Comm of Revenue 388.36

MN Comm of Revenue 44.24

MN Comm of Revenue 10.40

Alliance Bank 147.00

Bloomquist ET Al/Sharon-John 60.14

Brown/Donald 16.96

Edlund/Kyle 494.00

ILG Trustee/Robert M 344.00

Kilen/Mark 31.72

Malters/James 10.12

Newlon/Randall 17.12

Revier/Robert A 84.00

Riach/Darleen 11.26

Searles/Alice 10.92

Wan/John-Kristen 11.74

Arrowhead Library Systems 18,166.00

Birch Grove Foundation 9,500.00

Boreal Access 23.85

Centurytel of MN Inc 46.16

Cook Co Grand Marais Joint Ed 125.50

Cook Co Council on Aging 47,500.00

Cook Co Historical Society 15,342.00

Cook Co North Shore Hospital 7,777.50

Cook Co Recreation 19,000.00

Grand Marais Public Library 101,319.00

Healthpartners 2,155.61

I S D 166 652.50

Kosmalski/Sharon 22.00

Office of Enterprise Technology 300.00

Parks/N 8.00

Qwest 88.00

Soderlund/Ward 4.00

Usable Life 1,323.65

Violence Prevention Center 4,500.00

Visa:

Holiday Inn Mpls MN 299.83

Craguns Lodge Brainerd 331.00

East Coast Trading In 217.85

Paypal Helplinkbas 440.00

Paypal Helplinkbas 495.00

Holiday Stnstore 44.19

Holiday Stnstore 69.37

Holiday Stnstore 37.96

Country Inn Baxter MN 77.00

CSN Stores MA 69.99

U S Forest Services 1,507.50

Visa:

Breezy Point Resort MN 627.16

U S Bank 197,483.75

Arrowhead Electric Coop 3,055.56

U S Bank 13,246.25

U S Bank 52,387.50

Silver Bay Area Tourism Assn 3,963.25

I S D 166 981.90

S J Bautch Construction 51,699.54

Voided Check -1,490.00

Cook Co Agricultural Society 1,490.00

Frontier 306.25

G M P C S Personal Communication 154.65

Minnesota Revenue 379.82

Quill Corp 48.79

Qwest 12.62

Tofte Management Co Inc 296.45

Verizon Wireless 27.98

W D S E TV 20.00

W T I P Radio 2,375.00

Visa:

Dri Swreg Inc 371.69

Roy Aero Service 4,300.00

Ely Area Joint Powers Lodging 46,642.05

Cook County Recreation 9,500.00

Petty Cash/Aluminum Redemption 683.20

Petty Cash/Sheriffs Dept 300.00

Resource Development Council 9,500.00

Shirt Outfitters/The 28.76

Thane Hawkins Polar Chevrolet 57,937.20

U S Department of State 1,235.00

Vanderzee/Deb 187.00

B M A Construction 14,500.00

Roy Aero Service 4,300.00

Cook County Flex Acct 9,307.31

Braidy Powers, Auditor-Treasurer, appeared before the Board with several issues. Powers and the

Board reviewed two Firewise Grant Agreement proposals. The first proposal would amend the

Gunflint Trail Firewise Grant No. B10317, to transfer the remaining $6,950.00 of the grant to be used

for educational activities rather than assessments. This will allow designated representatives to attend

the National Firewise Conference. The second Firewise Agreement was a new grant in the amount of

$53,699.60, which would be used to conduct fire assessments in the remaining areas of the county.

Motion was made by Fenwick, seconded by Hall, and carried to approve both grant contracts with the

State of Minnesota regarding Firewise programs as presented.

Powers presented two fund transfers. One was $394,967.50 from the Golf Course Lodging Tax Fund

to the Golf Course Sinking Fund to cover a bond payment and the second was for $27,062.20 from the

Hospital Sales Tax Fund to the Hospital Sinking Fund, to cover August interest payment and Fryberger

legal fees. Motion was made by Sobanja, seconded by Johnson, and carried to approve both bond

transfers as presented.

Powers presented a grant contact agreement between Cook County and the State of Minnesota,

Commissioner of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This

Citizen Corps grant agreement provides $3,461.65, which would be used to train and equip volunteers

to assist with traffic control during accidents or disasters on roadways. Motion was made by Hall,

seconded by Sobanja, and carried to approve HSEM Grant No. 2008-CCP-00629 as presented.

Powers and the Board reviewed a grant agreement between the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

and Cook County in the amount of $12,812.00. This money is used to fund the Emergency

Management Program for Cook County. Motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Hall, and carried

to approve Grant Agreement No. 2008-EMPG-00686 for Emergency Management purposes as

presented.

Powers and the Board reviewed State-in-Lieu payments that Cook County received in 2008. No action

was needed.

John Amundson appeared before the Board to discuss his driveway that was damaged during the June

flash flood in Cook County. Present for this discussion were Assistant Planning & Zoning

Administrator Bill Lane and County Highway Engineer Shae Kosmalski. Amundson claimed that the

damage done to his property was a result of a failure of Cook County to meet storm water prevention

requirements and standards at the Gunflint Trail Horse Arena site. The Horse Arena is located directly

north of Amundson’s property. Lane reported that the proper storm water management activities had

taken place and the site had been inspected three times. Kosmalski reported that most hydraulic

engineering and erosion control measures are designed for a 2-year flood event, and culverts are

designed for a 15-year event. The recent flash flood was an unfortunate 100-year event, that could not

have been anticipated. Amundson described the damage incurred and the inconvenience that he has

experienced. He would like the County to assume responsibility for obtaining, hauling, and spreading

3-5 loads of gravel on his driveway. Kosmalski reported that the County did repair the driveway

within the road right-of-way area, and questioned whether this request should be discussed with

County Attorney Tim Scannell. Following considerable discussion, consensus was to direct

Amundson to obtain two quotes to repair his driveway as requested and report back to the Board with

that information. No further action was taken regarding this issue.

At 10:30 a.m. a motion was made by Johnson, seconded by Fenwick, and carried to close the regular

meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners to discuss a pending Land Use Lawsuit

regarding the Lance Johnson property. Present for this discussion were all five commissioners in

addition to County Attorney Tim Scannell, County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers, and Personnel

Director/County Board Secretary Janet Simonen.

At 10:42 a.m. a motion was made by Fenwick, seconded by Johnson, and carried to end the closed

session and reopen the regular meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Tim Nelson, Planning Director/Solid Waste Officer, appeared before the Board with several issues.

Nelson provided an update of the Solid Waste Hauler license issue regarding Pedersons Disposal and

reported that Pedersons Disposal had not yet resolved its financial issues with the State. The solid

waste subcommittee met, and recommended that the County continue with its license suspension

activity, and that further action regarding operation of Pederson Disposal be referred to the Cook

County Attorney’s Office. No other action by the County Board was required at this time.

Nelson reported that he is compiling names of potential members to serve on a septic ordinance

committee to update the Cook County Septic Ordinance. Nelson hopes that the Committee can start

work in September 2008 and have a draft document ready for a public hearing in March 2009. Nelson

will present the names of committee members to the Board for formal approval at a later date.

Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers presented a list of people to serve as election judges for the 2008

Primary and General elections. Motion was made by Fenwick, seconded by Sobanja, and carried to

approve the following people as 2008 Election Judges: Irene Thompson, Nelda Westerlind, Tracy

Benson, Patricia Brandt, Bob Mesenbring, Diane Pearson, Linda Sherfy, Millie Gestel, Pam

McDougall, Michael Peterson, Raia Melzer, Jerome Brandt, Nancy Dalbec, Doug Anderson, Thelma

Hedstrom, Patricia Johnson, John Bottger, Kate Anderson, LaVonne Anderson, Karen Brickman,

Janice Dillon, Susan Goodell, Bob Hertzberg, Jean Mathis, Jeanne Sando, Jim Shinners, Paulette

Anholm, Mary Lou Thornwall, Eleanor Waha, Warren Anderson, Mike Carlson, Holly Harwig,

Edwina Hertzberg, Tim Kennedy, Gale Ring, Holly Schroeder, Paula Sundet, Lou Terrizzi, Carol

Tveekrm, Aimee Luick, Cortnee Ashford, John Peterson, Beverly Wolke, Cheryl Walimaa, and Braidy

Powers.

Powers reported that the County Board has the authority to establish an absentee ballot board which

would meet to accept and reject absentee ballots for elections in Cook County. Powers recommended

establishment of said board as it would speed up the process of counting ballots on election night.

Commissioner Fenwick moved the adoption of the following resolution and upon seconding by

Commissioner Hall was adopted by unanimous yea vote of all members present:

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-63

Resolution Authorizing Cook County to Establish an Absentee Ballot Board to Accept and Reject

Absentee Ballots for Elections held within Cook County.

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 203B.13 Absentee Ballot Boards, authorizes the Cook County Board

to establish an absentee ballot board by resolution; and

WHEREAS, the absentee ballot board shall consist of a sufficient number of election judges as

provided in Minnesota Stat. Sections 204B.19 to 204B.22; and

WHEREAS, the duties of the absentee ballot board are set forth in Section 203B.13 subd. 2; and

WHEREAS, Section 203B.13 subd. 3 allows each member of the absentee ballot board to be paid

reasonable compensation for services rendered during each election; and

WHEREAS, election judges performing this acceptance and rejection function can be trained

specifically on this task and allows for greater consistency in the acceptance and rejection process.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County

hereby establishes an absentee ballot board to perform the duties set forth in Minnesota Statute

Section 203B.13 subd.2 for elections held within Cook County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Cook County Auditor’s Office is hereby delegated the

authority to appoint members to the absentee ballot board by appointing a sufficient number of

election judges appointed under Sections 204B.19 to 204B.22 and to pay each member reasonable

compensation for services rendered during each election.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Cook County Auditor’s Office shall appoint an absentee

ballot board pursuant to this resolution each even-year election beginning with the 2008 election.

Powers reported that the Revolving Loan Fund Committee met and discussed whether interest rates

should be reduced to reflect national trends and help current borrowers. The Committee voted to

recommend that the County Board offer market rate borrowers the choice of a 7.25% rate adjusted over

3-years or a 7% rate adjusted over 5-years. The Committee also recommended that the Board offer

subsidized loans under $75,000 a new rate based on the current 10-year T-Bond rate. Motion was

made by Hall, seconded by Sobanja, and carried to reduce the interest rates and adopt

recommendations made by the Revolving Loan Fund Committee.

Powers reported that the Revolving Loan Fund met to review an application from Cooperation Station

in the amount of $60,000.00, which would be used to pay off the current loan and provide additional

funding for expansion and upgrade of the facility. Said loan would be made at a 1% over current TBond

rate of interest. Motion was made by Fenwick, seconded by Sobanja and carried to approve the

Revolving Loan Fund application from Cooperation Station as presented.

Powers reported that the County Board must approve MS 366, Article 7, Section 18, the new special

law regarding the Cook County Sales and Use Tax that was enacted in 2008. Commissioner Fenwick

moved the adoption of the following resolution and upon seconding by Commissioner Sobanja was

adopted by unanimous yea vote of all members present:

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-64

Approval of Special Law by Governing Body

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, 645.02 and 645.021, the

Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby approves Chapter 366, Article 7, Sec. 18,

regarding a Cook County sales and use tax that was enacted in the 2008 Minnesota Legislative

Session.

Commissioner Martinson reported that the Cook County Grand Marais/Economic Development

Authority was considering different scenarios for the Sawtooth Residential Development project.

Martinson will keep the County Board updated regarding this issue.

Commissioner Johnson reported that he attended a Lake Superior Coastal Zone meeting on August 6,

2008.

Commissioner Hall reported that the State of Minnesota is considering the addition of 40 acres to a

scientific and natural area in the east end of the County. DNR representative Steven Wilson will come

to a future County Board meeting to discuss this proposal.

The Cook County Board meeting was recessed at 12:00 p.m. for lunch and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

County Attorney Tim Scannell appeared before the Board and presented the proposed 2009 budgets for

the County Attorney’s Office and the Victim/Witness Coordinator Program. No action was taken.

Planning Director/Solid Waste Officer Tim Nelson appeared before the Board and presented the

proposed 2009 budgets for the Planning & Zoning Department, Sanitation, Solid Waste, Recycling,

and the Land Fill future operations. No formal action was taken.

John Amundson, local property owner, returned to the County Board meeting regarding the driveway

damage issue discussed previously in the County Board meeting. Amundson presented two quotes for

obtaining and spreading 3-4 loads of gravel on his driveway. Low quote was from Edwin E. Thoreson

for 4 loads of gravel in the amount of $645.00. Motion was made by Fenwick, seconded by Sobanja,

and carried to accept the quote from Edwin E Thoreson for $645.00, for gravel to repair the Amundson

driveway, with money to come from the Cook County Park & Recreation Fund as an expense of the

Gunflint Trail Horse Arena project.

Assessor/Land Commissioner Mary Black appeared before the Board to present the proposed 2009

budgets for the Assessor’s Office and Land Commissioner activities. No action was taken.

The Board reviewed the 2009 proposed budget for the Cook County Soil & Water Conservation

District. No action was taken.

Sharon Bloomquist appeared before the Board on behalf of the Cook County Fair Board. Bloomquist

provided an update of the 2008 County Fair. The Fair emphasized displays of fruits, vegetables, crafts,

and other projects. No carnival rides or other activities were conducted in 2008.

There being no further business, motion was made and carried to adjourn.

______________________________

BRUCE MARTINSON, Chair

Cook County Board of Commissioners

_____________________________

ATTEST: BRAIDY POWERS

Auditor-Treasurer