Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by 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, MN: District 1 Commissioner Joe Baltich, District 2 Commissioner Derrick “Rick” L. Goutermont, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member absent: District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson. Also present: Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Lake County Interim Auditor Ronelle “Ronni” Radle, Lake County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, Lake County Forestry Department / Land Commissioner Nate Eide, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan. Lake County Assessor Gregg Swartwoudt arrived at 2:11 p.m. during the public comment period.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Hogenson
Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Lake County constituent Bonita Bieniek, resident of Stanley Road, Two Harbors, Minnesota, addressed the Lake County Board of Commissioners regarding different interpretations of Minnesota Statutes governing the appointment of election judges, political party affiliation balance, and ballot counting procedures. Bonita Bieniek advised that she was part of a lawsuit in 2020, in which litigation was filed against Lake County, the Office of the Lake County Auditor, in the State of Minnesota, concerning the establishment of the Lake County Absentee Ballot Board. Bonita Bieniek currently serves as one of the election judges for Lake County. Bonita Bieniek stated that individuals may officially join a political party by selecting it on their local state voter registration form. Bonita Bieniek commented that anybody can say they are a Republican, and anybody can say they are a Democrat. Board Chair Rich Sve thanked Bonita Bieniek for her concerns and for bringing these concerns to our attention.
Operation Volunteers for Veterans (Operation V4V) President Tanya Bruzek also addressed the County Board during the public comment period. Tanya Bruzek advised that Operation V4V launched its website operationv4v.org and are in the process for filing for a “dba” (“doing business as”) name for official use. Tanya Bruzek discussed the “ID.me” training that is being planned to show Veterans how to access what is available through using the ID.me service. ID.Me, LLC has many offers for those who serve. “ID.me” is intended to simplify how individuals prove and share their identity online. ID.me is a secure online identify verification service that lets Veterans access VA benefits (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is abbreviated to VA) and manage accounts, all from one place, with strong privacy protections. New registration is done online at https:// api.id.me/en/registration/new and from there you can create an ID.me Wallet. Tanya Bruzek advised that Operation V4V has made some changes for scheduled social opportunities for Veterans. Matinee movies are planned for 2PM on the third Saturday of each month. Additionally, Operation V4V is looking for a permanent location.
Lake County constituent Bonita Bieniek asked to provide additional comments to the County Board of Commissioners during the public comment period. Bonita Bieniek talked about disparity in two different Minnesota Statutes with respect to ballot counting processes and requirements. Bonita Bieniek stated that there are not currently any GOP (Grand Old Party also known as Republic Party) members appointed as Head Election Judges for the upcoming partisan elections in Lake County. Bonita Bieniek discussed ballot counting procedures for partisan elections. Bonita Bieniek stated concerns regarding political party affiliation balance. Minnesota Statute 204B.21 governs the appointment of election judges. This is an excerpt of language from Minnesota Statute 204B.19 Election Judges; Qualifications: at least two election judges in each precinct must be affiliated with different major political parties. Bonita Bieniek stated concerns about party affiliation balance in the appointment of election judges and in the designations of Head Election Judge.
Lake County Land Commissioner Nate Eide led a round of introductions for “Sawmill Dome Highlands Complex” project presenters to introduce themselves and provide a project proposal overview. Minnesota Land Trust representatives in attendance included Kathy Varble, Land Protection Program Manager – Lake Superior and Border Lakes; and Amy Schwarz, General Counsel (mnland.org). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presenter was Amber Westerbur, Coastal Program Manager. Also present were a married couple named Steve Wilson and Mary Shedd who are private property owners. This project is a partnership expanding public access and creating a future Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) in Lake County, that will be managed by the DNR. SNA requirements are established in Minnesota Statute 86A.05 subd. 5. Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs): What are they? The DNR explains that SNAs are exceptional places where native plants and animals flourish; where rare species are protected, and where we can know and study, Minnesota’s fascinating natural features”. This proposal allows for a strategic approach that will benefit Lake County, its constituents, and the state through the creation of a new Scientific and Natural Area, managed by DNR. DNR Coastal Program Manager Amber Westerbur discussed the biodiversity significance and the high value of the landscape. Ownership is fragmented, and conservation is needed. The Sawmill Dome is a prominent 1,575- foot rock outcrop and overlook located near Finland, Minnesota, featuring conservation efforts and regional partnerships tied to the protected natural landscape of the North Shore.
The Sawmill Dome Highlands Complex encompasses three different land types, and each requires a different set of laws. The types are Private Land, School Trust Land, and Tax Forfeit Land. The DNR serves as the Trustee for the School Trust Lands. The Minnesota Land Trust proposes to purchase tax forfeit land, which will provide revenue to the county. Securing this location would allow land managers to protect a High Biodiversity site with premier hiking, birding, and rock-climbing opportunities. An additional trail with scenic views may be developed. Securing this location would allow for better land access for management of over 700 acres of tax forfeit land.
Next steps include beginning the Lands Bill process and partners work on details of acquisition of tax forfeit land and its inclusion in the Lands Bill for the 2027 Legislative Session. To facilitate this opportunity, the Minnesota Land Trust is proposing to purchase the tax forfeit parcels through the 2027 Lands Bill and then convey them to the DNR. The Minnesota Land Trust will consult with trail builders and Lake County to begin trail development. For SNA creation, the DNR begins the process to condemn School Trust Land and work towards designation of the SNA. Converting this land is necessary for completion of the SNA. The DNR would also acquire the private land (the private land that is currently under Steve Wilson and Mary Shedd’s ownership), which currently has a conservation easement. The broader area is part of ongoing regional conservation and habitat protection initiatives involving groups like the Minnesota Land Trust to preserve North Shore forests and ridges.
The destination is the lookout on Sawmill Dome, a prominent North Shore recreation area near Finland and Little Marais, Minnesota. Parking is at the Cty Rd 6 Trailhead. Trail access is crossed by the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), providing scenic overlooks of the Sawtooth Mountains and Section 13 cliffs. This scenic geological feature is called Mary’s Mountain; its namesake is Mary Shedd. Property owners Steve Wilson and Mary Shedd are working closely with the Minnesota Land Trust on a permanent conservation easement and land protection goals. Presenters reviewed key milestones and timeline for project completion slated for a goal completion date in 2030.
Lake County Assessor Gregg Swartwoudt presented his department’s annual report to the Lake County Board of Commissioners. Assessor Swartwoudt reviewed sales ratio study data and historical State Board of Assessor Equalization reports from the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR). Assessor Swartwoudt refers to these DOR reports as a “report card” for counties. The Assessor’s report included statistical assessment data by taxing jurisdiction, estimated market value (EMV) by property type, taxable market values (TMV) by property type, countywide sales statistics, sales statistics by taxing jurisdiction, and foreclosure data. Assessor Swartwoudt advised about “arm’s length transactions” and reviewed that new construction increases the tax base. Assessor Swartwoudt reviewed Assessor’s Office calendars, including work cycle calendars for the assessor, appraisers, and administrative staff. Commissioners had questions about the mean ratio, median ratio, and aggregate ratios, co-efficient deviation, and other property type code acronyms such as PRD (price-related differential). The acronym PRISM stands for Performance and Registration Information Systems Management. Assessor Swartwoudt discussed disaster relief and provided proposed resolution language to be adopted in order to seek state reimbursement for Property Tax Relief with respect to the Stewart Trail fire that occurred in May 2026.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. Administrator Huddleston discussed changes to the Ready, Set, Go designations, and advised about areas that are now in a “Set” status with respect to the July 2026 Northeastern Minnesota Lightning Strike Fires and Camp Fire that have affected the Superior National Forest (SNF) and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The U.S. Forest Service is making changes to its evacuation status and GIS maps are being updated.
Lake County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza advised regarding the preliminary design work for the Dunka River Road. The firm SEH is conducting the preliminary study and alternatives analysis and will determine what is needed to bring the Dunka River Road to a higher standard of road. County Engineer DiPiazza advised that SEH has completed phase I of project development, which included preliminary topographic and control surveys, preliminary road alignment alternative development, preliminary road designs, and a design study report. Phase II of project development will include the remainder of the field work and surveys necessary to complete preliminary and final designs and environmental studies. Specific work tasks will include geotechnical studies (including soil borings), wetland delineations, further refinement of the preliminary design alternatives, and additional environmental review and documentation. Commencement of Phase II is necessary now to complete the field work before winter, allowing continued design and plan development and environmental reviews to continue through winter. Project development goals are to complete these studies, surveys and reviews and the NEPA review process (NEPA stands for the National Environmental Policy Act) prior to additional funding opportunities opening up next spring and summer. The final amendment cost will be detailed by SEH and the Highway Engineer to keep the scope limited to what is necessary to avoid lengthy project development delays (i.e. completing field work before winter). The requested amendment value should be sufficient to cover the details and is within the original cost proposal. Phase III, which will not be authorized, will include final plans and bidding documents.
The first 2027 County Budget Planning meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota. Lake County Interim Auditor Ronni Radle provided updates that the 2025 State Audit is underway and early voting has begun. Auditor Radle advised that the public accuracy testing of ballot tabulators has been conducted and advised regarding election judges training. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston advised that we will be providing notice in our legal newspaper for a public hearing on a proposed Ordinance for Camping and Land Use on County Administered Lands. Land Commissioner Nate Eide was present for the discussion.
Board Chair Rich Sve removed one item from the Consent Agenda for discussion and board action.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as amended:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of July 14, 2026.
2. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ emergency meeting minutes of July 21, 2026.
3. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 696,020.63
b. Arrowhead Health Alliance Payments $ 4,080.14
4. Adopt findings and conditions by the Environmental Services Department for Interim Use Application I-26-017, submitted by Wilkison Collaborative LLC at 1557 Hwy 61 Two Harbors, MN 55616.
5. Rescind check signing permissions for all Lake County Health and Human Services accounts for Tracy Gilsvik, who retired as Lake County Health and Human Services Public Health Supervisor, effective June 23, 2026.
6. Approve and authorize Meghann Levitt, Lake County Health and Human Services Public Health Supervisor, to sign checks for the Lake County Health and Human Services Petty Cash and Social Welfare accounts, effective July 28, 2026.
7. Authorize the County Engineer to sign a contract amendment with Bolton & Menk in the amount of $210,658.00 for Construction Staking, Engineering, Inspection and Administration on project SAP 038-636-001, City of Two Harbors Street & Utility Improvements (2024- 2025) for a revised total contract value not to exceed $1,021,821.00.
8. Authorize the County Engineer to sign a contract amendment with Bolton & Menk in the amount of $365.664.00 for Construction Staking, Engineering, Inspection and Administration on project SAP 038-632-003, Banks Blvd and Edison Blvd Reconstruction for a revised total contract value not to exceed $775,997.00.
9. Authorize Highway Department payment to Neumo Enterprise Solutions, LLC at a cost not to exceed $8,331.71 for software maintenance for New Roads Public Works Management System and New Roads eTime Card Interface.
10. Authorize the purchase of 21 plastic culverts from Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. in the amount of $16,640.40 plus delivery fee.
11. Authorize the purchase of 16 metal culverts from Contech Engineered Solutions in the amount of $15,041.56 plus delivery fee. Absent: Hogenson
Lake County Board Chairperson Sve clarified the reason for removing an item from the Consent Agenda for discussion and separate board action. There had been some questions about the last name Schultz and whether this applicant has other vacation rental properties. Lake County’s land use ordinance has limitations on the number of vacation rental properties that can be permitted. Commissioner Sve clarified that interim use applicants Chelsea and Joel Schultz are different people than the individual(s) with the last name Schultz who have vacation rental properties in the jurisdiction of the City of Two Harbors.
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 03 – Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-26-018, submitted by Chelsea and Joel Schultz at 3812 Hwy 3 Two Harbors, MN 55616. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 04 – Approve the release from probation of Bret Kutter, Facilities Worker, effective July 10, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Facilities Worker. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 06 – Approve the release from probation of Edwin Kimball, Highway Maintenance Worker, effective July 16, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 07 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Highway Maintenance Worker. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Adopt Lake County Resolution Requesting Reimbursement of Property Tax Relief Provided Under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 273.1231 – 273.1235. This resolution is regarding the Stewart Trail Fire disaster that occurred in May 2026. WHEREAS, the County of Lake (Lake County, Minnesota), experienced a wildfire disaster from May 15, 2026, through May 19, 2026, and;
WHEREAS, said disaster caused extensive property damage to residential properties in the County of Lake, Township of Silver Creek, and;
WHEREAS, the County of Lake has been declared a disaster area by Local Authority pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sec 12.29 Declaration of Local Emergency, and;
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, sections 273.1231-273.1235 provide for property tax relief upon reassessment of properties damaged by disaster, and upon application to the Governor of the State of Minnesota and the Executive Council, and;
WHEREAS, the minimum requirements of the aforementioned statutes have been met as demonstrated in damage assessment reports;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Lake County Board of Commissioners that the County of Lake hereby requests that the property tax abatements and credits granted to property owners under sections 273.1231- 273.1235 for the disaster that occurred from May 15, 2026, through May 19, 2026, be reimbursed pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 273.1231- 273.1235. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 09 – Adjourn meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 4:01 p.m. Absent: Hogenson 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, August 4, 2026
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: August 21, 2026
