Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve. Chair Sve led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Unless otherwise stated, all actions have been approved by a unanimous vote. Lake County Board members present in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room (SRRR), 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota: District 1 Commissioner Joe Baltich, District 2 Commissioner Derrick “Rick” L. Goutermont, District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board members absent: None. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, County Auditor Linda Libal, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy, Land Commissioner Nate Eide, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Several people were in attendance to provide public comments. Laura Oslan discussed concerns and asked the county to consider a ban on short-term rentals located on private roads. Tanya Bruzek also discussed concerns about short-term rentals in long-term single-family residential neighborhoods and on private roads. Cassidy Gow spoke regarding her business in Two Harbors and her desire to seek a retail business license under the new cannabis laws that were adopted at the 2022/2023 Minnesota Legislative Session.
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler reviewed that on March 26, 2024, the County Board approved the purchase of Body Worn Cameras. Next steps were to provide the proposed Body Worn Camera (BWC) Policy online on the county web site so that people can view the policy. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is looking to implement body worn cameras in spring/ early summer of 2024. According to Minnesota Statute 626.8473 subd.2. Public Comment, all “local law enforcement must provide for public comment before it purchases OR implements a portable recording system. At a minimum, the agency must accept public comments submitted electronically or by mail, and the governing body with jurisdiction over the budget of the law enforcement agency must provide for public comment at a regularly scheduled meeting. Sheriff Stadler stated that his office did not receive any public comments through postal mail (Ref: BWC Comment) or via email to sheriff@co.lake. mn.us. Supportive public comments were heard at the Lake County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024. People voiced that this is a great idea that will protect officers and make people feel more secure and that peace officers should be allowed to have that support. Minnesota data practices laws have been updated to address the concerns regarding the standards governing the data.
University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension presentation was provided by Lake County Extension Educator Tracey Anderson and Keri Cavitt, Regional Director, Northeast Region serving Lake, Cook, Carlton, St. Louis, Koochiching and Itasca counties. They reviewed the mission, structure, and philosophy. U of M Extension brings the work of the university to the people of Minnesota in ways that improve the quality of life across Minnesota. Five key program areas include the environment, food and agriculture, communities, families, and youth development program 4-H. Tracey Anderson reviewed the 4-H Pledge. “I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country, and my world.” Ms. Anderson reviewed that there has been an increase in program participation, and that 4-H has helped youth with a sense of belonging and purpose, and empowers youth to lead.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. County Auditor Linda Libal, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy, and Land Commissioner Nate Eide provided brief updates for their respective departments.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of April 9, 2024.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Region III Payments $183,357.58
b. Special Payments $ 94,044.76
3. Authorize the County Board Chair to sign the 2024 Federal Supplemental Boating Safety Patrol Grant Agreement.
4. Authorize payment to Wildlife Forever for invoice # 40081 in the amount of $13,000, for the purchase of advertising (gas station TV, indoor posters, radio, North Shore Explorer) and bait bags. These purchases will be funded through the Minnesota Counties Program Aid for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund.
5. Authorize payment to Impact in the amount of $11,377.99 (Invoice #209912) for printing of 2024 Valuation Notices and Tax Statements.
6. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-007r, submitted by Jerry Correl & Wade LeBlanc at 4619 Correll Rd., Finland MN 55603.
7. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-008r, submitted by Steven VanHouse at 6225 Lax Lake Rd., Silver Bay 55614. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 03 – Approve the change in employee status of Jessica Carr, Appraiser, due to completion of probation period effective April 23, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 04 – Approve the change in employee status of Cristian Blair, Mechanic, due to completion of probation period effective April 23, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 05 – Approve the trial appointment of Chris Hatfield, Facilities Maintenance Worker, to Environmental Services Specialist at the Step 4 rate of $25.18 per hour effective May 13, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 06 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Facilities Maintenance Worker. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 07 – Approve Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Parcels 27-5707-30790 and 27-5707-30730 to the Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) to Lead to the Development of Affordable Housing. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 08 – Accept the low bid of $7,773.15 from Quality Garage Door Service for the purchase and installation of a 12’ x 14’ overhead door to be paired with the existing overhead door on the north side of the recycling center. This door will accommodate the future ongoing delivery (empty) and removal (full) of 40 cubic yard recycling boxes. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 09 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:19 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
– County Board Work Session at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024
– Agenda meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024
– Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
