Lake County Board Chair Rich Sve started off the meeting in early June with a reminder that it was National Call Your Doctor Day. Although the date is now past, when it comes to health check-ins, a good policy to keep in mind is ‘better late than never.’ He also noted the date as being the birthdays of Tsar and first Emperor of Russia – Peter the Great – born 1672, actress Natalie Portman – born 1981, and internationally renowned cartoon character Donald Duck, whose officially listed creation date is June 9, 1934, with the large-scale release of The Wise Little Hen, his debut appearance.
The majority of the meeting covered items that are still being researched and internally discussed by County staff. County Administrator Matthew Huddleston briefly went over ongoing matters such as a proposed cartway from private land to connect with Highway 61 in an area where cartways had been discussed in prior decades, and the closure of the County’s Silver Bay Service Center at the end of June. County services will still be available in Silver Bay, but will now be by appointment only. The County is also continuing to prepare for Pulsar’s helium project, taking steps to ensure the project will comply with all government rules regarding all steps involved in the helium extraction.
Lake County is also taking action to accommodate debris resulting from the recent Stewart Trail Fire with a temporary transfer station at the County Landfill and expanded hours. Those unable to use the landfill during its operating hours can call and make an appointment. The landfill is also accepting fire-damaged scrap metal and concrete. The Lake County Recycling Center will similarly be accepting damaged appliances, household hazardous waste, and tires affected by the fire. A site has also been opened across from the Lake County Forestry Office for trees and other vegetation taken out by the fire.
Lake County Land Commissioner Nate Eide reported that cleanup from the recent fire was going well. He also took the opportunity to show the Board the new professionally designed map of the Split Rock Wilds mountain bike trails. The map will be posted on the trails and at kiosks along the trails.
Commissioners’ Correspondence was kept short, with Commissioner Rick Goutermont discussing the upcoming RAMS (Range Association of Municipalities and Schools) dinner he and Commissioner Joe Baltich would be attending on June 25th to speak with other leaders on the Iron Range. Board Chair Sve also noted recent turnovers with the Community Health Board, resulting in several fresh faces, including a new Public Health Director.
Consent Agenda items of note that were approved included: a pre-arranged payment to St. Louis County for Technical Services; annual payment to Karpel Solutions for case management software; a Special Event Permit for Grandma’s Marathon on June 20th; Redstone Construction, LLC taking on the rehabilitation of Bridge 38535, New Tomahawk Road over Stony River pending attorney review; Northland Constructors of Duluth taking on the reconstruction of Lighthouse Point Road pending Two Harbors City Council and attorney review; purchase of two packer/rollers; a budget amendment for appraisal and services relating to tax court cases.
Approved resolution items were almost all concerning hiring County workers, with the exception of a 2026-2028 Labor Agreement between Lake County and the Minnesota Public Employees Association covering Supervisor employees. Resolution 8 also grants County Administrator Huddleston “authority to make address changes,” with the Administrator clarifying that the reason is to update the County’s mailing address within Silver Bay due to the Service Center closing its Silver Bay doors.
