Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 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 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, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member(s) absent: None. Also present in the SRRR: Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Lake County Chief Deputy Auditor Wendy Morlang, and Lake County Forestry Department / Land Commissioner Nate Eide. Present via interactive technology: Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Journalist Kitty Mayo spoke about International Dark Sky Week, that is this week, April 13- 20, 2026, and local events that are happening to participate and celebrate dark skies. (“International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night. From the darkness needed for a restful night’s sleep to the activities we enjoy beneath the stars, the night is filled with wonder and importance. Dark nights sustain critical wildlife ecosystems, strengthen the well-being of our communities, enable scientific discovery, and preserve shared cultural knowledge and traditions. Join us this April as we “go dark” to explore the night and take action to protect dark skies worldwide.” Please visit https://idsw.darksky.org/ to learn more about International Dark Sky Week.) Kitty Mayo also reminded attendees about the “Survive This” emergency management event coming up on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Two Harbors High School. She spoke about the itinerary and timeline of the event, what will be available to attendees, and the coordinated effort to organize this event in Lake County. All are encouraged to attend.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided updates on several items of county business. Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler provided an update about the marine rescue vessel that has been delivered and coordinated with The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Sheriff Stadler spoke about the media event that we will be having with Grand Portage, to take place at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Lake County Highway Garage, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota. Lake County Land Commissioner Nate Eide advised about housing in Finland, Minnesota. Lake Couty Chief Deputy Auditor Wendy Morlang reminded attendees that it is tax time and advised that our new online platform system is working well.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of March 24, 2026.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Administrative Payments $ 35,589.15
b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 62,535.66
c. Arrowhead Health Alliance Payments $ 40,000.00
d. Special Payments $ 26,122.01
3. Approve the appointment of Barbara Jackson to the Community Health Board for a two-year term ending January 2028.
4. Approve a three-day temporary on-sale liquor permit for Renegade Riders Saddle Club for the dates of May 1-3, 2026, at Larsmont Cottages 596 Larsmont Way Two Harbors.
5. Adopt findings and conditions by the Environmental Services Department for Interim Use Application I-26- 008r, submitted by B.J. Hilton at 6430 Hwy 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614.
6. Approve and authorize the Lake County Board Chair to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake County, on behalf of Lake County Health and Human Services, and Ethical Solutions for guardianship and conservatorship services for the period of April 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 per year.
7. Authorize the County Auditor to transfer $81,925.58 of Lake County’s Affordable Housing Aid to the Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) on Phase Two (2) of the county-owned Lakeview Apartments rehabilitation project. This is the final payment from Lake County’s Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA) 2023 and 2024 awarded aid.
8. Approve payment to the City of Two Harbors in the amount of $153,890.92 for 2025 Fire Department reimbursement.
9. Approve the County Board Resolution to enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to use and provide payment for use of Lake County Roads as a detour route for Trunk Highway 1 (MN TH 1) as necessary for a highway improvement project on Trunk Highway 1.
10. Authorize Highway Department purchase of a Superior Mid-Mount Rotary Broom, Model DT74 from Ziegler, Inc. based on low price quote at a cost not to exceed $48,900.00 plus any additional delivery, tax, title, or registration fees.
11. Award a Construction Engineering Services contract to LHB in the amount of $139,495.00 for providing construction contract administration, staking, observation, inspection, material testing and control for project SP 038-607-015, Bridge 38J44 and Approaches (CSAH 7, Cramer Road at Ninemile Creek), and authorize the Board Chair to sign the contract pending County Attorney review.
12. Authorize the Highway Department to return to four (4) ten-hour days per week schedule, Monday through Thursday, beginning on Monday, April 27, 2026.
13. Authorize the Board Chair to sign a Contract Renewal for calendar year 2026 with Envirotech Services, LLC for furnishing and applying liquid Calcium Chloride dust control treatment at a unit cost of $1.37 per gallon, not to exceed $292,500.
14. Authorize the Board Chair to sign a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to allow the DNR to utilize gravel pit material, purchase produced aggregate, and store aggregate material at the Cramer Pit under the county’s planned aggregate production contract, CSP 025-001.
15. Award Phase 1 of an Engineering Services contract to SEH, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $90,0000 for providing a preliminary engineering and design study for a potential road improvement project on Dunka River Road, Forest Service Road 112 (FS 112) between County State Aid Highway 2 (CSAH 2) and Nip Creek.
16. Approve the purchase of undivided interest parcels from the March 31, 2026, tax forfeited land sale as authorized at the March 24, 2026, closed session at a purchase price of $12,900.00, plus additional closing fees. Total purchase cost of $13,400.57 to be expensed from the resource development fund. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 03 – Accept invitation from the Forest Supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Eastern Region, Superior National Forest, on the work to amend management direction in the USFS Forest Plan for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), for Lake County to participate as a cooperating agency in this project, and approve resolution titled Canoe Area Wilderness Plan Amendment as follows:
WHEREAS, the United States Forest Service (Forest Service) is undertaking an amendment to the Forest Plan governing management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW); and
WHEREAS, the current Forest Plan direction for the BWCAW is more than 30 years old; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Service has identified a need to revise management as their monitoring shows visitor use is resulting in ecological and social effects, direction for motorized use including commercial towboats needs updating, and several other resource topics such as fire, fisheries and wildlife management show a need for change; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Service initiated public engagement on this proposed amendment in Spring 2024 and is currently developing a draft amendment for further public review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Service has invited Lake County to participate as a cooperating agency in the development and environmental review of the proposed Forest Plan amendment, including opportunities to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and provide input throughout the NEPA process; and
WHEREAS, cooperating agency status allows Lake County to contribute local knowledge, data, and expertise while recognizing that final decision-making authority remains with the Forest Service; and
WHEREAS, participation as a cooperating agency will help ensure that the interests of Lake County residents, businesses, and natural resources are effectively represented in the planning process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board of Commissioners hereby accepts the invitation from the United States Forest Service to participate as a cooperating agency in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Forest Plan Amendment process; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lake County Board designates appropriate County staff and/or representatives to engage with the Forest Service, provide information, and participate in the NEPA review process as deemed appropriate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this participation does not obligate the County to support the final Forest Plan amendment and that the County reserves the right to provide formal comments and positions at any stage of the process; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator (or designee) is authorized to submit written confirmation of this decision to the Forest Service prior to the requested deadline of April 24, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 04 – Approve the change in employee status of Chad Brelie, Accounting Technician, due to completion of probation period effective April 7, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the resignation of Sarah Thomson, Administrative Assistant, effective April 10, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 06 – Approve the probationary appointment of Evelyn Youngquist to Dispatcher/Jailer at the 2025 Step 2 wage of $26.03 per hour effective April 20, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 07 – Approve the internal posting for one fulltime Senior Mechanic. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Mechanic. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 09 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Deputy Sheriff. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 10 – Approve the Highway Department request to fill four 67-day temporary Truck Driver positions at $21.00 per hour. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 11 – Approve the release from probation of Marty Ostern, Facilities Worker, effective April 9, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 12 – Approve the recruitment for one fulltime Facilities Worker. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 13 – Approve the termination of Joseph Jacobs, Appraiser, effective April 10, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 14 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Appraiser. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 15 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 2:47 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings:
• Meeting of the Committee of the Whole at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Clair Nelson Community Center, 6866 Cramer Road, Finland, Minnesota
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota
• Lake County officials are planning to attend a Media Event at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Lake County Highway Department, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota. Lake County is posting this meeting notice to accommodate for a quorum of the Lake County Board of Commissioners to attend this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for the Lake County Sheriff to receive a marine rescue vessel, operating through a partnership between The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Cook and Lake County’s Sheriff’s offices, for emergency response efforts on Lake Superior.
• Agenda meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: May 1, 2026
