Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Acting Chairperson Rick Goutermont. Acting Chairperson Goutermont led the recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Unless otherwise stated, all actions have been approved by unanimous yea 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, and District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd. Board member absent: District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Also present in the SRRR: Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Lake County Forestry Department / Land Commissioner Nate Eide, Interim Auditor / Treasurer Ronelle “Ronni” Radle, Facilities Maintenance Manager Curt Backen, Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Sve
Acting Chairperson Rick Goutermont opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. Facilities Maintenance Manager Curt Backen provided an update on several projects involving his department. Interim Auditor / Treasurer Ronni Radle advised about forfeited land sale starting next Monday. Notice of the sale was published in the North Shore Journal and information is provided on the county web site. The sale is through publicsurplus.com online.
Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard provided an update on the Lanthier Cartway Petition. Attorney Nygaard provided a proposed resolution for the County Board to consider adopting, issuing a second order on the Lanthier Cartway Petition and setting a second public hearing, indicating that the County Board will further consider the Petition, the Certificates of Survey, and potential damages at a Public Hearing at 2:30 P.M. on February 10, 2026. Potential locations and potential damages will be reviewed.
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of January 13, 2026.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts: a. Administrative Payments $ 20,377.03 b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 6,000.00 c. Special Payments $1,354,220.97
3. Authorize payment to Tritech Software Systems, a Centralsquare Company in the amount of $37,958.62 for the 2026 Zuercher suite annual subscription and maintenance fees (invoice 455475).
4. Authorize payment to Tritech Software Systems, a Centralsquare Company in the amount of $16,923.31 for the 911 System Annual Maintenance Fees from 4/9/2026 – 4/8/2027 (invoice 455474).
5. Authorize payment to St. Louis County (Invoice IN-00001339 in the amount of $35,000.00 per the signed Agreement for Technical Services.
6. Authorize Highway Department purchase of one 2027 Western Star 47X Tandem Axle truck cab and chassis for snowplow and dump truck buildout from Transwest Trucks (formerly Boyer Trucks) through State CPV Contract 242594, Release T-647(5) at a cost not to exceed $171,000.00 plus any additional delivery, tax, title, or registration fees.
7. Authorize Highway Department purchase of installed dump body, snowplows, and snow fighting equipment (wings, sanders, controls, cameras, lighting, etc.) from Towmaster Truck Equipment, State CPV Contract 267372, Release S-863(5) at a cost not to exceed $183,775.00 plus any additional delivery, tax, title, or registration fees.
8. Designate Auditor/Treasurer Ronelle Radle is Lake County’s eighth voting delegate to represent Lake County at the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual Conference and during the year 2026.
9. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-26-001r, submitted by Crown Creek Cabin LLC, at 4622 Crown Creek Spur, Finland, MN 55603.
10. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-26-002r, submitted by Right Path LLC, at 513 Salakka Road, Knife River, MN 55609.
11. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-26-003i, submitted by Donut Pirates LLC, at 1928 Loop Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616. Absent: Sve
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 03 – Adopt Resolution Issuing a Second Order on the Lanthier Cartway Petition and Setting a Second Public Hearing, indicating that the County Board will further consider the Petition, the Certificates of Survey, and potential damages at a Public Hearing at 2:30 P.M. on February 10, 2026. The Board hereby directs the County Attorney to provide notice to the affected landowners that a landowner is entitled to judicial review of damages, need, and purpose under Minn. Stat.§ 164.07, subdivision 7 following a determination to establish or alter a road. The County Attorney shall cause personal service of this Resolution and Order along with the Exhibits to be made upon each occupant of the land at least ten days before the Public Hearing and cause ten days’ posted notice thereof to be given. Absent: Sve
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 04 – Approve the reappointment of Dr. A. Quinn Piper, as the Lake County Medical Examiner, through December 31, 2030, and approve entering into a Contract for continued Medical Examiner and Autopsy Services with Anoka County. Absent: Sve
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the change in employee status of Alison Gelineau, Dispatcher/Jailer, due to completion of probationary period effective January 28, 2026. Absent: Sve
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 06 – Approve the trial appointment of John Bauer, Highway Maintenance Worker, to Highway Maintenance Coordinator at the 2025 Step 3 rate of $29.17 per hour effective January 31, 2026. Absent: Sve
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 07 – Approve the probationary appointment of Marty Ostern to Facilities Worker at the 2025 Step 4 rate of $20.36 per hour effective February 2, 2026. Absent: Sve
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Approve the request to rescind Resolution No. 25111204, recruitment for a full-time Human Services Technician. Absent: Sve
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 09 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Human Services Professional. Absent: Sve
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 10 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 2:27 p.m. Absent: Sve
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:
- Agenda meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- Lanthier Cartway Petition, Second Public Hearing at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan, Clerk of the Board
Rick Goutermont, Acting Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: February 20, 2026
