SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE OCTOBER 28, 2025 ROSEAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

The Board of Commissioners of Roseau County, Minnesota met in the Courthouse in the City of Roseau on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Board Chair Kermit Jensen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Commissioners present were Kermit Jensen, Levi Novacek, Glenda Phillipe, Jack Swanson, and Daryl Wicklund. Others present were Jeff Pelowski, Joleen Kezar, Tobi Eidsmoe, Rich Gross, Chancey Gust, Steve Gust, Ericka Halstensgard, Martin Howes, Kristy Kjos, Martie Monsrud, Thomas Monsrud, Britt Dahl, Colleen Hoffman, Marit Martell, Crystelle Philipp, Trevor Jenson, Andrew Holzmer, and Melissa Shepard; while those attending via ZOOM were Logan Bender, Kerri Byfuglien, Sue Grafstrom, Karla Langaas, Brenda McMillin, Cindy Tangen, and Mike Trinka.

The Board approved the Agenda.

Coordinator Pelowski commented that the next Regular County Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., due to the Courthouse closure for the Veterans’ Day Holiday on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Engineer Halstensgard commented that the CSAH 13 railroad crossing to Springsteel will be closed to traffic on Thursday, October 30, 2025, due to a Canadian National Railroad maintenance project.

The Board approved the payment of bills totaling $520,225.84

In addition, the Board approved a forthwith payment to Government Management Group, in the amount of $4,000.00, for preparation of the County Cost Allocation Plan.

Britt Dahl, Roseau County Historical Society – 2026 Appropriation Request

Britt Dahl met with the Board to present an overview of the 2025 Museum and Historical Society events, and to request a County appropriation of $84,575 for 2026, which represents a 3.5% increase compared to the 2025 County appropriation. The County Board will be approving the final 2026 Budget in December 2025 and will consider the appropriation request as part of the budget development/adoption process.

Hoffman, Philipp, and Martell, PLCC – 2024 County Audit Report

Colleen Hoffman, Crystelle Philipp, and Marit Martell met with the Board to provide a review of the 2024 Roseau County Audit Report. Following discussion, no Board action was taken. (Note: A copy of the Report is available for public review at the County Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer’s Office)

The Board, by adoption of its Consent Agenda, approved the October 14, 2025, Regular Board meeting proceedings; approved an application for exempt permit for the Warroad Area Chamber of Commerce, and, approved a donation from the Roseau American Legion Post No. 24, in the amount of $750.00, to the Veteran Services Office.

Attorney Kjos led the Hearing by outlining the provisions of the Roseau County Regulated Animal Ordinance, and presented the Findings of Fact related to this case. According to the County Animal Control Officer, a dog owned by Melissa Shepard meets the definition of a “dangerous dog”, per County Ordinance. However, the Ordinance provides an appeal process should the owner disagree with the dangerous dog designation. Today’s Hearing was necessitated by the Shepard family’s appeal of the determination. The issue before the Board was whether, upon review of the Findings of Fact and other testimony, to either affirm or reject the dangerous dog designation. Following discussion, the Board affirmed the dangerous dog designation. The owner will now be required to comply with specified conditions in order to keep the dog.

9:45 HEARING – APPEAL OF A DANGEROUS DOG DESIGNATION

Attorney Kjos led the Hearing by outlining the provisions of the Roseau County Regulated Animal Ordinance and presented the Findings of Fact related to this case. According to the County Animal Control Officer, a dog owned by Trevor Jenson meets the definition of a “dangerous dog”, per County Ordinance. However, the Ordinance provides an appeal process should the owner disagree with the dangerous dog designation. Today’s Hearing is necessitated by Mr. Jenson’s appeal of the determination. The issue before the Board was whether, upon review of the Findings of Fact and hearing testimony, to either affirm or reject the dangerous dog designation. Following discussion, Commissioner Swanson made a motion to affirm the dangerous dog designation, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, and failed on a 3 to 2 vote with Commissioners Jensen and Swanson voting yes, and Commissioners Novacek, Phillipe, and Wicklund voting no. The dog was released to the owner.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Set Public Hearing Date – 2026 Solid Waste Management Fees (Ordinance No. 31)

Coordinator Pelowski requested the Board set a Public Hearing regarding proposed revision to Ordinance No. 31. Following discussion, the Board approved to hold a Public Hearing on November 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m., County Boardroom, to solicit public input regarding the proposed changes to the Ordinance.

AUDITOR-RECORDER-TREASURER

Deputy Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer (ART) Accountant Position

Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer (ART) Monsrud requested Board approval of the ART-Accountant job description, and MRA’s rating of that position. In addition, she requested Board authorization to advertise to hire in order to fill the open position. Following discussion, the Board approved the revised job description; MRA’s rating of the position; and, the advertisement to hire request.

Unorganized Township Levies & Budgets

Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer Monsrud requested Board approval of a Resolution establishing the 2026 Unorganized Township’s Levies and Budgets. Following discussion, the board approved the following Resolution:

2025-10-04

ADOPTION OF THE 2026 UNORGANIZED TOWNSHIP LEVIES AND BUDGETS

WHEREAS, the Roseau County Board of Commissioners has reviewed and considered budgets for the Unorganized Townships located in Commission District No. 3, 4, and 5; and,

WHEREAS, the Roseau County Board of Commissioners deems it necessary that the following amounts be levied on all taxable property in specified Unorganized Townships in Roseau County.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2026 Unorganized Township budgets are hereby approved and the following amounts shall be levied upon all taxable property in unorganized townships in Roseau County for 2026:

Township Range

161 36 Clear River $ 6,000.00

161 37 America $ 3,000.00

162 44 Juneberry $ 8,600.00

163 38 Norland $ No Levy

163 39 Spruce Valley $ 15,000.00

163 40 Jadis $3,000.00

163 43 Unorganized $ 250.00

164 43 Unorganized (north) $ No Levy

163 44 Blooming Valley $ 3,000.00

164 44 Blooming Valley (north) $ 1,636.00

A copy of the 2026 Unorganized Township budgets is on file in the County Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer’s Office.

Request for Proposals – County Audit Services

Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer Monsrud requested Board authorization to issue a Request for Proposals regarding the selection of a firm to provide annual audit services for the County. Hoffman, Philipp, & Martell, PLLC provided a proposal to continue their audit services for the County; however, following discussion, the Board authorized the Auditor-Recorder-Treasurer to issue Request for Proposals for County audit services.

Youth Intervention Program Grant

Commissioner Swanson requested Board acceptance of a Youth Intervention Program Grant in the amount of $128,000.00, and authorization to execute the associated paperwork. Sue Grafstrom will be paid from the grant funds to administer the grant. Following discussion, the Board approved the request as presented.

Commissioner Committee Reports (October 14 - 28, 2025)

Commissioner Jensen reported on the following committee(s): Non-Union Labor Negotiations; Judge Grover Investiture; Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session; Highway Department Labor Negotiations; Joint Ditch 22 & 62 Roseau/LOW County Ditch Authority; Warroad River Watershed District Board.

Commissioner Novacek reported on the following committee(s): Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session; Joint Ditch 22 & 62 Roseau/LOW County Ditch Authority.

Commissioner Phillipe reported on the following committee(s): Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails; Lake Township Board; Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) SNAP/MFIB Webinar; Warroad City Council.

Commissioner Swanson reported on the following committee(s): Roseau Community Meeting; Non-Union Labor Negotiations; Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board of Directors; Resilience Training: Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session; Northwest Minnesota Foundation Strategic Plan; Highway Department Labor Negotiations; Northwest Minnesota Foundation Audit Committee; ‘MAGIC’ Fund Board of Directors.

Commissioner Wicklund reported on the following committee(s): Social Services Board; Operations Committee; County Board Work Session.

Commissioner Swanson commented that the Association of Minnesota (AMC) District 3 Fall Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Thief River Falls.

Upon motion carried, the Board adjourned the Regular meeting at 10:50 a.m. The next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

(November 19, 2025)