Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Chair 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: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Land Commissioner / Forestry Department Head 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 other public comments. No public comments were made. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided updates on several items of county business. Land Commissioner Nate Eide provided an update on fire debris and trail maps.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda, as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of May 26, 2026.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts: a. Administrative Payments $ 39,271.00 b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 26,962.00
3. Authorize payment to St. Louis County (Invoice IN-00001408) in the amount of $35,000.00 per the signed Agreement for Technical Services.
4. Approve a three-day temporary onsale liquor permit for Finland Fire Department for the dates of July 17-19, 2026, for use at the Clair Nelson Center located at 6866 Cramer Rd, Finland, Minnesota.
5. Authorize payment to Karpel Solutions for the case management software annual maintenance fee (Invoice No. 77886, dated May 20, 2026) in the amount of $6,750.
6. Authorize Highway Engineer to sign the Special Event Permit for Grandma’s Marathon scheduled for June 20, 2026 and located on Stanley Road (CSAH 9) and Scenic Highway 61 (CSAH 61).
7. Award SP 038-634-001 to the lowest responsible bidder, Redstone Construction, LLC in the amount of $940,230.00 for the Rehabilitation of Bridge 38535, New Tomahawk Road (CSAH 34) over Stony River and authorize the Board Chair to sign the construction contract pending County Attorney review.
8. Award SAP 038-594-001 and SAP 038-600-020 to the lowest responsible bidder, Northland Constructors of Duluth in the amount of $2,694,400.00 for the reconstruction of Lighthouse Point Road and 3rd Street, City of Two Harbors, pending recommendation of award by the Two Harbors City Council and authorize the Board Chair to sign the construction contract pending County Attorney review.
9. Authorize Highway Department purchase of two (2) Walk ‘n’ Roll model WR90 Packer/Rollers from Road Machinery & Supplies Co. (RMS) based on low quoted price at a cost not to exceed $49,500.00 plus any additional delivery, tax, title, or registration fees.
10. Approve a budget amendment increasing the County Assessor’s 2026 budget by $28,000 for appraisal and professional services related to tax court cases. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 03 – Approve the recruitment for one fulltime Senior Engineering Technician. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 04 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Engineering Technician. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the probationary appointment of Livia Dugas to Environmental Services Specialist at the Step 2 rate of $25.21 per hour effective June 15, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 06 – Approve the trial period of Keri Parks, Administrative Assistant Administration to Administrative Assistant Health and Human Services, effective June 22, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 07 – Approve the probationary appointment of Edwin Kimball to Highway Maintenance Worker at the 2025 Step 2 rate of $24.29 per hour effective June 10, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 08 – Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the 2026-2028 Labor Agreement between Lake County and Minnesota Public Employees Association covering Supervisor employees. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 09 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Gavyn Johnson, Industrial Mower Operator for Highway Department, at $19.00 per hour effective June 10, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 10 – Granting County Administrator Matthew Huddleston authority to make address changes with the United States Postal Services on behalf of Lake County as necessary. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 11 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 2:46 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings:
- Meeting of the Committee of the Whole at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Town of Fall Lake, Town Hall, Fall Lake, Minnesota.
- Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 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: July 3, 2026
