Tuesday, May 26, 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 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member(s) absent: District 2 Commissioner Derrick “Rick” L. Goutermont. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim Auditor Ronelle “Ronni” Radle, County Land Commissioner Nate Eide, County Environmental Services Director Bryr Ludington, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Goutermont
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Gordy Anderson and Keith Larson provided an update on funding raised by the Lake County Veterans Memorial Association (LCVMA). Including Lake County’s match, the LCVMA anticipates securing sufficient funding in order move forward with plans for groundbreaking later this year on the Veterans Memorial to be constructed in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Lake County Veterans Services Officer (CVSO) Brad Anderson was present for the update on the Veterans Memorial.
Lake County Land Commissioner Nate Eide provided an annual update on behalf of the Lake County Forestry/Land Department. Main topics included timber, trails, land sales, and apportionment.
Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) Director Matthew Johnson provided an update on development plans for Silver Pointe II, in coordination with the City of Silver Bay, for a proposed 25-unit multifamily residential development located at 105 Banks Boulevard, behind the shopping center in Silver Bay, Minnesota. Vison, Inc. is the developer, which is the same developer for North Shore Flats in Two Harbors. The LCHRA is donating land for the Silver Pointe II project in Silver Bay. LCHRA Director Matthew Johnson provided a preliminary project summary. The revolving nature of the housing trust fund was discussed. Developer responsibility was discussed. Developer equity is part of the funding, along with a developer’s agreement.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided updates on several items of county business. Lake County Auditor Ronelle Radle advised that we are recruiting election judges for polling places for upcoming elections. Auditor Radle encourages people to use the app on our web site to apply or stop by the Office of the County Auditor to inquire. Lake County Environmental Services Director Bryr Ludington discussed main priorities for their office. Land Commissioner Nate Eide left the meeting at 3:17 p.m.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of May 12, 2026.
2. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ emergency meeting minutes of May 19, 2026.
3. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts: a. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 23,242.55 b. Special Payments $ 4,815.52
4. Authorize payment of $15,831.24 to Macqueen (Invoice #DUL25049) for equipment and installation of that equipment for one of the new squad cars.
5. Authorize payment of $17,430.07 to Macqueen (Quote TC102925- 12) for equipment and installation of that equipment for the new Rescue Squad vehicle.
6. Authorize payment of $51,833.70 to Macqueen (Quotes TC102925- 11, TC102825-11, TC102725-11) for equipment and installation of that equipment for three new squads.
7. Authorize payment not to exceed the amount of $6,885.45 to SHI (SHI Government Solutions Pricing Proposal Quotation # 27501386) for the purchase of DefGuard Enterprise License for use by Lake County.
8. Authorize Highway Department purchase of two (2) 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickup trucks from Karl GMC of Marshalltown based on State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchase Venture (CPV) contract pricing (Contract 258623) at a cost not to exceed $46,510.91, each, plus any additional delivery, tax, title, or registration fees.
9. Amend the Board of Commissioners meeting minutes dated April 14, 2026 to amend Consent Agenda Item 13 for a Contract Renewal with Envirotech Services, LLC for calcium chloride dust control treatments to correct the unit cost and total contract value.
Original: 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.
New: 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 $1.44 per gallon, not to exceed $307,500.00.
10. Approve the Resolution for Authorization to Sign a Limited Use Permit Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for a Temporary ATV Trail Route on MN Trunk Hwy 1.
11. Authorize the Board Chair to sign an agreement with the City of Silver Bay to deliver a street reconstruction project for segments of Banks Boulevard and Adams Boulevard (CR 107) in the City of Silver Bay as part of the Silver Bay’s Citywide Street and Utility Improvements project Phase 1A.
12. Adopt findings and conditions by the Environmental Services Department for Interim Use Application I-26-013, submitted by Jim & Laura Goodman at 648 Old North Shore Road, Two Harbors MN.
13. Adopt findings and conditions by the Environmental Services Department for Interim Use Application I-26-014, submitted by Megan Gramlow at 6995 Cramer Road, Finland MN 55603. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 03 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Terry Costello, Industrial Mower Operator for Highway Department, at $22.00 per hour including maximum return incentive effective June 8, 2026. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 04 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Paul Connor, Industrial Mower Operator for Highway Department, at $19.00 per hour effective June 8, 2026. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the probationary appointment of Matthew King to Dispatcher/Jailer at the 2025 Step 4 wage of $27.80 per hour effective June 8, 2026. Absent
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 06 – Approve the trial appointment of Duane Fransen, Mechanic, to Senior Mechanic at the 2025 Step 7 rate of $36.04 per hour effective June 8, 2026. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HOGENSON: 07 – Approve the appointment of Jason Arnold to Human Resources Generalist at the 2025 Step 8 rate of $39.70 per hour effective June 8, 2026. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 08 – Approve the change in employee status of Brian Anderson, Deputy Sheriff, due to completion of probation period effective May 28, 2026. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HOGENSON: 09 – Adopt Resolution of Support for the Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) Silver Pointe II Workforce Apartments Project and Support Using $850,000 of the Lake County Housing Trust Fund (LCHTF) as Local Match for the Project. Resolved, the Lake County Board of Commissioners supports the Workforce Housing Development Program (WHDP) grant application to Minnesota Housing for Silver Pointe II and the commitment of $850,000 from the LCHTF as part of the local match. Absent: Goutermont
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 10 – Adjourn meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:26 p.m. Absent: Goutermont
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, June 2, 2026
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: June 19, 2026
