Sauk Rapids Herald - January 7, 2023

PHOTO BY R. TAMM PHOTOGRAPHY

basketball team

left),

Miller, Shaun Walrath, Mason Fincher, Shea Koster and Kolton Kunerth; (back, from left) Owen Weisz, Bradyn Kost, Dillon Miller, Sawyer Boedigheimer, Austin Kunz, Logan Bauer and Deagan Gondeck. The Storm are led by head coach Jason Allen and assistant coaches Don Anderson, Brandon Sawyer, Dwight Summerville, Noah Grant, Eric Fleischmann and Damon Westrich.

PHOTO BY R. TAMM PHOTOGRAPHY

The 2022-23 Sauk Rapids-Rice girls basketball team consists of Sienna Petermeier (front, from left), Ella Jevne, Sakiya Fredrickson, Grace Roesch, Mia Rogholt, Annika Broman, Mackenzie Felchle, Aubrey Klug and Kristen Kimman; (middle, from left) Talaya Rheineck, Josie Anderson, Olivia Mohs, Lauren Schloe, Megan Anderson, Akayshia Joyce, Alexis Swanson and Josalynn Morford; (back, from left) assistant coach Shelby Chollett, assistant coach Sam Rushmeyer, Courtney Paulsen, Leah Roesch, head coach Jon Roesch, assistant coach Scott Anderson, assistant coach Sam Leite, assistant coach Stephanie Andrews and manager Kennadee Otteson.

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 20, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on December 20, 2022, in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Steve Heinen was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the ag. A roll call showed Commissioners Beth Schlangen, Scott Johnson, Steve Heinen, and Ed Popp present. Commissioner Jared Gapinski was absent. Chair Heinen noted the absence excused.

County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to amend the agenda to remove the Regular Agenda item to consider the amendment to the Agreement with the City of Sauk Rapids to provide ARPA funding for water/sewer infrastructure subsidies under County Administrator at 9:05 AM. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Popp to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

There was no one present from the public to speak under Open Forum.

Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve Consent Agenda items 1 - 10: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2022 and authorize the Chair to sign; 2) approve a Resolution to delegate the authority to make electronic funds transfer and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve a Resolution to set aside the net proceeds of tax-forfeiture land sales in 2022 and authorize the Chair to sign; approve a Resolution establishing commitments of fund balances as of December 31, 2022 in accordance with GASB Statement 54 and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) approve the Region 7W Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), 6) approve the proposed change to the Benton County Personnel Policies – Chapter 18, Section A.1- Meal Reimbursement; to increase the per meal maximum to $20 and the daily maximum to $60, effective 01/01/2023; 7) approve the 2023 tobacco applications; 8) approve the roof replacement contract for the Sheriff’s Of ce and Jail with McDowall Company and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve the appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission and Solid Waste Advisory Committee; 10) approve the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Minnesota BCA to become an af liate agency with BCA Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board to consider appointing Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) District Manager Gerry Maciej to the Mississippi River/ St. Cloud One Watershed/One Plan Technical Advisory Committee. The Memorandum of Agreement establishing the Mississippi River/St. Cloud One Watershed/One Plan authorized the creation of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Maciej has volunteered to be Benton County’s representative to the TAC. Maciej was present and provided information about TAC to the County Board. Maciej also introduced Watershed and Outreach Specialist Emily Forbord to the County Board and gave a brief background of her role with Benton SWCD and her experience. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve the appointment of Benton SWCD District Manager Gerry Maciej to the Mississippi River/ St. Cloud One Watershed/One Plan Technical Advisory Committee. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested to conduct a public hearing on the proposed changes to the Benton County fee schedule. County Departments are asked to review and possibly update their fees each year. Generally, this review has occurred in December, with a public hearing held the last meeting of the year for the County Board to consider recommended changed to the fee schedule. Per MN Statutes, changes to fee schedules may occur only after a properly noticed public hearing. Notice for this public hearing was published in the Benton County News and Sauk Rapids Herald. The proposed revisions include:

• Small Shelter fee from $40 to $50 (Parks)

• Large Shelter (Sportsman’s) fee from $60 to $75 (Parks)

• Lakeview Center Cleaning fee from $20 per hour, minimum $20 to $25 per hour, minimum $25 (Parks)

• CAMPING- Non-Electric Site (2 ADULTS, change KIDS to CHILDREN FREE WITH PARENTS) change fee from $20 to $25 per night (Parks)

• Camping – Electric Site (2 Adults, Children Free with Parents) change from $30 per night to $35 per night (2023); $40 per night (2024); minimum two-night stay on weekends (Parks)

• CAMPING FEES – WEEKLY change from $150 to $185 (2023); $220 (2024) (Parks)

• CAMPING FEES – MONTHLY change from $500 to $600 (2023); $700 (2024) (Parks)

• CAMPING FEES – SEASON – (ALL DAYS – MEMORIAL WEEKEND – LABOR DAY WEEKEND) change from $1,100 to $1,275 (2023); $1,450 (2024); $1,625 (2025); $1,800 (2026) (Parks)

• Firewood change from $7 per bundle to $8 per bundle (Parks)

• ENTRANCE PERMITS – RESIDENTIAL ( eld entrance 24 ft. wide or less) change from $100 to $200 (Public Works)

• ENTRANCE PERMITS – COMMERCIAL ( eld entrance >24 ft. wide) change from $200 to $300 (Public Works)

• STREET ENTRANCE PERMIT change from $250 to $400 (Public Works)

• Sentence to Serve Crew Fee Change from $150 per day to $200; change from $75 for less than 4 hours to $100; 4 hours or more pay full daily rate (Sheriff)

• PERMIT TO CARRY change from $60 to $70 (Sheriff)

• PERMIT TO CARRY – RENEWAL from $55 to $65 (Sheriff)

The public hearing on the proposed changes to the Benton County fee schedule opened at 9:17 AM. No one was present in-person or virtually to speak. The public hearing on the proposed changes closed at 9:18 AM. Headley stated there were no emails, letters or other communications to be read into the record. The Department has not received any comments or concerns from any State agencies, cities or townships. No of cial action was required by an affected Township. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Schlangen to approve the proposed changes to the Benton County fee schedule, effective January 1, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

Next on the Agenda was the consideration of the nal 2023 Benton County Budget and Levy. Headley stated that today’s agenda item represents the nal Board action on the 2023 budget and levy. A proposed 2023 budget and levy was adopted by the County Board on September 26th. A Truth in Taxation Public Meeting was conducted on December 8th. The nal 2023 budget and levy must be adopted and certi ed to the Auditor-Treasurer by December 28th (within ve business days of December 20th). Headley requested two motions be made; 1) adopt a Resolution setting the 2023 Benton County Property Tax Levy at $22,585,122; and 2) adopt a Resolution setting the 2023 Benton County Budget as presented. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to adopt the Resolution setting the 2023 Benton County Property Tax Levy at $22,585,122. Motion carried unanimously. Next, motion by Johnson and seconded by Heinen to adopt a Resolution setting the 2023 Benton County Budget as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board adopt the Resolution setting the 2023 salaries for the Auditor-Treasurer, County Attorney and Sheriff. State statutes require the County Board to annually set the salaries of the County’s Elected Of cials by Resolution. The amounts set forth in the Resolution re ect County Board consensus from the December 12th Committee of the Whole. The Resolution states that effective January 3, 2023, the salaries of said Elected Of cials shall be as follows:

Auditor Treasurer $87,500

Sheriff $131,532

County Attorney $135,094

Motion by Popp and seconded by Schlangen to adopt the Resolution setting the 2023 salaries for the Auditor-Treasurer, County Attorney and Sheriff. Motion carried unanimously

PUBLIC NOTICES

Next on the Agenda was the approval to set the County Commissioner salaries for 2023. Per MN Statutes §375.055, County Boards establish the annual salaries paid to County Commissioners. Such salary shall be effective January 1, 2023. The amount set forth in the Resolution re ects County Board consensus from the December 12th Committee of the Whole:

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION 2022 - #_____

WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §375.055 requires that the salary of the County Commissioners be set annually by Resolution of the County Board;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Commissioners that effective January 1, 2023, the salary of each member of the Benton County Board of Commissioners shall be $31,534 and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Administrator is directed to publish this Resolution in the of cial newspaper of the County and one other newspaper in the County, pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 1.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of December, 2022.

/ss/Steven J. Heinen Chair

Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: /ss/Montgomery Headley County Administrator

Motion by Popp and seconded by Schlangen to adopt a Resolution setting the 2023 County Board member salaries. Headley noted the amount in the Resolution re ects the same 2.5% increase recently approved by the County Board for non-union employees. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board approve the County Board per diem rate for 2023. As provided in MN Statutes §376.06, Subdivision 1, “the members of the county boards in counties other than Hennepin, Ramsey, and St. Louis, may be paid a per diem pursuant to section 375.055, subdivision 1, for each day necessarily occupied in the discharge of their of cial duties while acting on any committee under the direction of the board, and may be paid their actual and necessary traveling expenses in accordance with section 471.665 for travel incurred in the discharge of the committee work. Any committee may be comprised of all of the members of the county board.” Per the consensus of the County Board at the December 12th Committee of the Whole, the 2023 per diem rate will be maintained at $70. The Resolution reads as follows:

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION 2022 #________

WHEREAS, MN Statutes §375.055 and MN Statutes §375.06 allow the County Board to establish a schedule of per diem payments for County Commissioners for each day necessarily occupied in the discharge of their duties while acting on any committee under the direction of the Board; and

WHEREAS, said statutes also permit County Board members to be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including traveling expenses, while performing the of cial duties of County Commissioner, as set by Resolution of the County Board; and,

WHEREAS, MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 5 provides that County Board members may participate in any group health insurance program instituted by the County Board for County of cers and employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Commissioners that:

1. In addition to annual salaries, County Commissioners may receive a per diem payment for attending meetings of commissions, committees, and boards when such attendance is designated by the County Board. Pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 5, members of the County Board shall not receive a per diem for services on the Board of Auditors, the Board of Equalization, or the Canvassing Board. As a matter of County Board policy, per diems shall not be paid for regular and special meetings of the County Board. Per diems for 2023 shall be as follows:

a. Site inspections as part of the duties of a speci c board, committee or commission: $10 per site, not to exceed ve sites.

b. All other boards, committees, commissions, when the individual commissioner or the full board is designated by the County Board to serve on said body: a per diem of $70.

2. County Commissioners may collect only one per diem each day, regardless of how few or many separate duties connected with the of ce are performed in such day.

3. In addition, pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055 and §375.06, each County Commissioner may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in performing the duties of of ce. Travel in personal vehicles on of cial County business shall be reimbursed at the current standard mileage rate promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service or at another rate as determined by the County Board. Meal and other expense reimbursement such as registration and lodging shall be reimbursed pursuant to the Benton County Personnel Policies.

4. County Commissioners shall be eligible to participate in workers compensation and optional bene ts programs instituted by the County Board for county of cials and employees. The employer-funded portion of health insurance premiums for County Commissioners shall be the same amounts as provided non-union employees.

5. The County Administrator is directed to publish this Resolution in the of cial newspaper of the County and one other newspaper in the County, pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 1.

APPROVED

AND ADOPTED this 20th day of December 2022

/ss/Steven J. Heinen Chair

Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: /ss/Montgomery Headley County Administrator

Motion by Johnson and seconded by Popp to adopt the Resolution setting the County Board per diem rate for 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board authorize an Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagement with CliftonLarsonAllen due to a change in the elected Auditor-Treasurer. This limited engagement, known as “Agreed-Upon Procedures” is necessary due to the change in elected Auditor-Treasurer and satis es MN Statutes §574.23, which requires the County Board to conduct a “thorough examination of the bonded of cer’s accounts” whenever the elected of cial leaves of ce. MN Statutes §385.06 also requires the County Board to “witness and attest the delivery of accounts, books, vouchers, and funds by each outgoing treasurer to the successor.” State law allows this review to be conducted by a private CPA rm. This review will primarily involve an examination of bank and investment accounts under the control of the Auditor-Treasurer. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve an Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagement with CliftonLarsonAllen due to a change in the elected Auditor-Treasurer, cost to be paid from the Commissioners’ Contingency Account. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Headley requested the County Board consider a Resolution to transfer Revenue Fund and Human Services Fund reserves to the Capital Projects Fund for future capital project needs. The County has established a fund balance standard calling for reserves of no less than ve months of operating expenses. At the end of December 2021, the ReveBenton

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE: May 4, 2018

MORTGAGOR: Nathaniel D Scott as Single Man.

MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for American Heritage National Bank its successors and assigns.

DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded May 25, 2018 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 429551.

ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC. Dated January 18, 2022 Recorded January 18, 2022, as Document No. 458186.

TRANSACTION AGENT: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.

TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: 10029763000098090-8

LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

MORTGAGE: American Heritage National Bank RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC

MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 10029 Mayhew Lake Road Northeast, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 070007300

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:

The land referred to herein is situated in the state of Minnesota, Benton County described as follows: The North 141.0 feet of the South 256.0 feet of the East 130.5 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (SE 1/4 of NE 1/4) of Section Seven (7), Township Thirty-seven (37) North, Range Thirty (30) West COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $127,929.00

AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $120,701.36

That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been

instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;

PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:

DATE AND TIME OF SALE: March 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM

PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07.

TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owneroccupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on September 5, 2023, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07

nue Fund showed a reserve level equal to 6.8 months of operating expenses. The Human Services Fund had 7.5 months of expenditure coverage on December 31, 2021. The Resolution directs the transfer of $1.0 million in Revenue Fund reserves and $2.0 million from Human Services Fund reserve to the Capital Projects Fund for these future capital outlay needs. Potential future needs include a new Government Center, renovations to existing of ce space and additional Jail intake cells. Setting aside resources now will help the County fund such projects to the extent possible with cash, helping to reduce our reliance on new debt. The recommended transfers take into considering fund balance usage in 2022 and 2023. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Popp to approve the Resolution to transfer Revenue Fund and Human Services Fund reserves to the Capital Projects Fund for future capital project needs. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Human Resources Director Johanna Mattson requested the County Board approve the Continuation and Retiree Billing Administration Agreement with MedSurety, LLC effective January 1, 2023. At present the County utilizes PreferredOne to administer COBRA bene ts and retiree health insurance. As of January 1st, our relationship with PreferredOne will end as we transition to Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) as our health plan administrator. This change occurred by virtue of our membership in the Public Sector Collaborative and its decision to switch plan administrators. However, BCBS does not offer COBRA or retiree health insurance plan administrator services. Our broker, Marsh McLennan Agency, recommends that the County select MedSurety as our new COBRA and retiree health insurance plan administrator. Other members of the Public Sector Collaborative are also making this selection. With headquarters in Minnetonka, MedSurety is one of the largest providers of COBRA and retiree health insurance services to the public sector in Minnesota. Currently, it serves approximately 850 employers. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Heinen to approve the Continuation and Retiree Billing Administration Agreement with MedSurety, LLC effective January 1, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:35 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting.

The Regular Board meeting reconvened at 9:40 AM.

Next, Interim County Engineer Mark Loidolt requested the County Board to consider a Resolution in support of a City of Rice Transportation Alternatives Grant Application. Loidolt stated the City of Rice would like to submit an application to the Transportation Alternatives program to receive funds to build a trail known as the City of Rice Railroad Crossing and Connection. This project is along CSAH 2 in City of Rice at the BNSF Railroad tracks. These are Federal Funds and since Rice is a city under 5,000 population the County must be the “Sponsoring Agency”. Community Health Specialist Jenny Lezer has been helping the city. It is anticipated that the City of Rice will be responsible for any design costs, any local match costs associated with the construction of the project, and administrative fee to the County if they received the Grant. As the County Engineer, it is recommended that the County negotiate an agreement if they received the Grant. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve the Resolution in Support of a City of Rice Transportation Alternatives Grant Application. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Loidolt requested the County Board consider the Region 7W TIP Solicitation for Federal Funding and Resolution of Local Match Funding. The Region 7W Area Transportation Partnership (ATP) and the APO is solicitation projects for consideration of receiving Federal Funding for scal year 2027. The deadline for project submittal is January 9, 2023. Along with the application, a resolution certifying availability of local match funding is also required. In the County’s 5-year road construction CIP, CSAH 2 is identi ed as a reconstruction project from the City of Rice to CSAH 1. This roadway is eligible for partial federal funding. If successful, the project could be funded up to 80%

or 582.032.

MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.”

Dated: December 28, 2022 PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P.

Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 131 - 22-006800 FC

IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. R-1-6B

ASSUMED NAME: Ace Tree.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 6997 7th Street SE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Ace Tree, LLC, 6997 7th Street SE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 USA.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required elds, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Kent R Gustafson 01/03/2023

WE’RE HIRING!

with federal funds. This is unlikely because this would consume all of the federal funds that 7W receives in one year. Loidolt proposes to request approximately $2,000,000 of Federal Funds like last year. The remainder of the project would be funded with State Aid Construction and possibly Wheelage dollars. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve the Region 7W TIP Solicitation for Federal Funding and Resolution of Local Match Funding. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Loidolt requested the County Board consider APO Solicitation for Federal Funding and Resolution of Local Match Funding. The APO is solicited for projects to be considered to receive Federal Funding for scal year 2026. The deadline for project submittal is January 9, 2023. Along with the application, a resolution is required certifying availability of local match funding. In the County’s 5-year road construction CIP CSAH 3 is identi ed as full-depth reclamation project from the CSAH 1 (Mayhew Lake Rd) to Popple Creek. This roadway is eligible for partial federal funding. The roadway does not lie entirely within the planning area of the APO and therefore can only receive a maximum of 80% Federal funds of the costs within the planning boundary. Loidolt is proposing to request approximately $1,750,000 of Federal Funds. The remainder of the project would be funded with State Aid Construction dollars. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Heinen to approve the APO Solicitation for Federal Funding and Resolution of Local Match Funding. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Loidolt requested the County Board consider a Resolution in support of a City of Sauk Rapids Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application. The City of Sauk Rapids would like to submit an application to the Active Transportation (AT) Infrastructure Program to receive funds to place pedestrian crosswalk asher systems along CSAH 3, 2nd St North. Since CSAH 3 (2nd St North) is a County Road, a resolution of support is required. The proposed project scope includes installing pedestrian crosswalk asher systems at two (2) existing roundabouts (RAB) on 2nd Street North (CSAH 3). One RAB is at Summit Avenue North and the other is at 6th Avenue North. The scope also includes appurtenant pedestrian curb ramp, signing, and pavement marking work. The City of Sauk Rapids will be responsible for all costs such as design, local match costs associated with the construction of the project, and the city will be the lead agency. If they received the Grant, it was communicated that a utility permit would likely be required from the City of Sauk Rapids to install the pedestrian crosswalk asher systems. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Heinen to adopt the Resolution in support of a City of Sauk Rapids Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of Benton County. There were no comments made under Comments by Commissioners.

Popp/Johnson to set the Committee of the Whole Meetings: Friday, January 6, 2023: 1) review assignments to Boards and Commissions; 2) discussion on County Board Handbook; 3) Space Needs Programming with GLT Architects and County Board, Benton County Boardroom, Foley, 9:00 AM; Thursday, January 19, 2023 MICA’s 2023 Annual Legislative Forum, Jack and Jim’s Event Center, 11025 Duelm Rd NE, Foley, MN 56329, 2:00 PM; Wednesday, February 8, 2023 and Thursday, February 9, 2023 MICA’s Drainage Conference, Arrowwood Convention Center, 2100 Arrowwood Lane Northwest, Alexandria, MN 56308, 9:00 AM; Wednesday, February 22, 2023 and Thursday, February 23, 2023 Annual Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Legislative Conference, Intercontinental Hotel, 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55101, 9:00 AM. Motion carried unanimously.

The Regular Board Meeting adjourned at 10:16 AM.

ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator

Steven J. Heinen, Chair

Benton County Board of Commissioners

Benton County Public Notice from page 10

Aged manure is not composted manure

4 factors for successful manure composting

BY CHRYSEIS MODDERMAN Extension manure management educator

Editor’s note: The following is one article of the Top 10 Minnesota Crop News blog posts of 2022, originally published by the University of Minnesota Feb. 3, 2022.

“Oh, sure, yeah, I got a manure pile that’s been composting for a few years now,” the farmer says as he points at a weedy heap that hasn’t been disturbed in years.

While that pile will break down a bit over time, aged manure is not composted manure.

I’ll say it again, and I may get this tattooed on my forehead: Aged manure is not composted manure.

I like to say that composting manure is as much of an art as it is science. Proper com-

In the life cycle of a compost pile, there are three temperature phases that can be monitored with a probe. If a pile is too cool or too hot, a person may need to begin troubleshooting and remedying to achieve successful results.

posting needs regular, active management with the right combination of temperature, size, moisture, oxygen and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to keep the microbes happy and make the piles break down into compost — that beautiful, earthy, soil-like product.

Temperature

Much like people, taking the temperature of

a compost pile can show you if you have a healthy system or one in need of a check-up. In the life cycle of a compost pile, there are three temperature phases:

– Warm-up: The period from pile construction until the internal temperature reaches 105 degrees.

– Thermophilic (hot) composting: This is when

the microbes do the heavy lifting of decomposition.

– Cool curing: This occurs after the composting phase is complete and the material stabilizes.

Growing your education

Ambiguous Loss and Farming Facilitator Training

The University of Minnesota Extension is offering training for those who work with or know farm families experiencing stress, loss or tough decisions for their family or business. The training takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the St. Cloud Regional Extension Office, 3601 18th St. S., St. Cloud. Training is free but people must register at z.umn.edu/ lossandfarming.

“A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous loss and farming” helps farm families understand and name ambiguous loss and helps to provide strategies for moving forward. In the changing farm and rural landscape, loss of land, livestock, changing markets and relationships can be ambiguous losses that lead many to feel stuck. This facilitator training will prepare people who work with farm families to provide support.

Questions can be directed to Emily Krekelberg at 612756-3977 or krek0033@umn.edu.

Farm Transition and Estate Planning

Four webinars in January hosted by University of Minnesota Extension Educators David Bau and Nathan Hulinsky will discuss farm transition and estate planning. The free webinars take place 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. Participants can register at z.umn.edu/23farmtransition.

The first webinar, “Developing your farm transition goals and assembling your team,” took place Jan. 4 prior to this issue of Benton Ag Plus going to press.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 – “All things tax: Gifting, selling and transferring”

Wednesday, Jan. 18 – “Wills, trusts, ownership titling –What does it all mean?”

Wednesday, Jan. 25 – “Putting the basics together: Estate, retirement, healthcare and business transfer planning.

“I love being with little kids,” Montag said. “Watching their eyes light up when a princess gure walks in the room just to hang out with them is the best thing in the world. If I can make all those little kindergarteners’ days a little better. I think that’s worth it.”

The other three dairy ambassadors are planning to soon visit the kindergarten classes at Foley Elementary School and St. John’s Area School in the upcoming weeks.

Throughout all three stages, temperature should be monitored with a thermometer probe. If your pile should be in the thermophilic phase but will not heat up to at least 110 degrees, or it’s soaring to temperatures over 160 degrees, there might be a problem with one or more of your pile components. Sometimes, the pile just needs to be turned. But if the toocool or too-hot pile is still not hitting the right temperature range, you need to start troubleshooting with the other components listed below.

Planning Your Dairy Farm Future: Leadership and communication

This free, two-hour event will focus on leadership and communication and aim to increase resiliency in a changing industry environment. Participants will learn about family member personalities and communication and how it affects performance. The session takes place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at American Legion Post 271, 770 Dieckmann Drive, Paynesville.

Registration not required.

For questions, contact Dana Adams at 320-255-6169, ext. 3 or adam1744@umn.edu.

Planning Your Dairy Farm Future: Goal setting and business planning

This free, two-hour event will focus on farm goals and planning for future farm success. The session takes place from 12:30-2 p.m. Jan. 26 at Pizza Ranch, 202 Lemieur St., Little Falls.

Registration not required.

For questions, contact Dana Adams at 320-255-6169, ext. 3 or adam1744@umn.edu.

Pollinator Habitat Webinar Series

From the comforts of home, a three-day webinar series will teach about pollinators and conserving habitats for their survival. Free, one-hour sessions take place 12:30-1:30 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. “Creating a Pollinator Friendly Garden” (Jan. 31), “Bee Lawns: Building Lawns for the Conservation of Pollinators” (Feb. 1) and “Navigating Natives: Tools and Resources for Starting a Pocket Prairie” (Feb. 2) are offered via the teleconference platform Zoom. Register for the link at z.umn.edu/ beeseries.

Apple Tree Pruning Workshop

The University of Minnesota will be offering a free workshop from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 8 at Milk and Honey Ciders, 11738 County Road 51, St. Joseph. The workshops will provide guidance on proper pruning methods and focus on the hands-on practice of pruning trees at apple orchards. These workshops will be useful for homeowners, gardeners, Master Gardener volunteers and orchardists of all experience levels.

Pruning apple trees properly is important to optimize fruit growth and ease of harvest. Extension educators Anthony Adams, Quincy Sadowski and Annie Klodd will lead participants through the considerations and techniques for proper pruning.

Participation will involve being outdoors and using pruning shears and loppers, so attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and activities involved.

Each workshop is limited to 25 participants. Registration is required at z.umn.edu/applepruning2023.

For questions or assistance, contact Adams at 320-2556169, ext. 6 or Sadowski at 320-255-6160, ext. 3.

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

A puppet is used to share a storybook about dairy cows with children Dec. 20, 2022, in Sauk Rapids. The kindergarten students of Mississippi Heights Elementary chose the name “Pinky” for the puppet.

PHOTO COURTESY OF U OF M EXTENSION

BY ANN OLSON University of Minnesota Extension

In December 2022, 25 Benton County 4-H ambassadors enjoyed an evening of team building games, planning and eating and a gift exchange at the Boyle home in Foley.

During the ambassador meeting, the youth discussed upcoming plans for ambassador events. Several shared their favorite part about being an ambassador and motivation for the role.

Another important part of the evening was creating opportunities for seventh through 12th grade youth to get to know one another.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

The Benton County 4-H ambassadors – Hudson Kleine (front, from left), Larkin Kleine, Eli Rademacher, Lyla Beehler, Sarah Lutz, Jacqueline Beauchamp, Anna Fox and Jasmine Manea; (middle, from left) Aleaya Kipka, Addison Dahler, Allie Barringer, Evan Lamberg, Travis Boyle, Skylar Morris, Cade Barringer, Morgan Molitor, Carley Roberts and Holly Heinen; (back, from left) Alicia Belanger, Marissa Kuklok, Noah Rosenberger, Adam Heinen, Chase Dahler, Joseph Achen and Brady Roberts – gather for an evening of team building during December 2022 at the Boyle home in Foley. The event allowed the youth to bond and plan for the upcoming 4-H year.

Benton County 4-H’er Chase Dahler (center) competes in a game using candy canes at a Benton County 4-H ambassador event in December 2022. Games used candy canes, balloons and red Solo cups as the youth learned more about one another.