Tuesday, August 27, 2024. 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. 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, 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 Absent: None. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, County Auditor Linda Libal, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Assistant County Attorney Russ Conrow, Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy, Environmental Services Assistant Director Tanya Feldkamp, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan. Several members of the public were present in person and several people connected virtually through Microsoft Teams.
Prior to approval of the agenda, Board Chairperson Rich Sve provided an overview of the agenda for the audience.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None
The regular meeting was recessed at 2:02 p.m.
A public hearing was held regarding the proposed interim ordinance authorizing a study and imposing an emergency moratorium on the operation of cannabis businesses in Lake County except for the City of Two Harbors and the City of Silver Bay. It was clarified that the City of Beaver Bay is included in the proposed moratorium. There are separate meeting minutes for that public hearing. The public hearing was closed at 2:12 pm.
The regular meeting was reconvened at 2:13 p.m.
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve an Interim Ordinance Authorizing a Study and Imposing an Emergency Moratorium on the Operation of Cannabis Businesses in Lake County Except for the City of Two Harbors and the City of Silver Bay. Lake County Ordinance No. 28 effective August 27, 2024. Absent: None
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Laura Osland described her family’s situation and her concerns about short term rentals.
Russell Hart spoke regarding Silver Rapids Resort. Mr. Hart referred to a seven-page letter from Ernie Peake, an attorney. Mr. Hart read portions of Lake County Ordinance No. 8.
Public comments were closed at 2:34 p.m.
County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an overview of the process and communication with the Planning Commission regarding the petition received seeking an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Silver Rapids Resort, LLC’s conditional use and preliminary plat applications. Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy spoke regarding the process and the entities that have jurisdiction. County Commissioners had questions for the applicant. The applicant was present and provided answers to those questions.
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 03 – Adopt the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision related to the petition requesting preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the conditional use and preliminary plat applications (C-24-007 & P-24-001) filed by Silver Rapids Resort, LLC; and adopt the recommendation of the Planning Commission based on the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision and deny the Petition requesting the preparation of an EAW for the conditional use and preliminary plan applications (C-24-007 & P-24-001) filed by Silver Rapids Resort, LLC. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hurd, Sve. Nay: Hogenson. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. Administrator Huddleston and County Commissioners reviewed calendars and the need to set the date for the next 2025 Budget Meeting. Budget Meeting will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 9:00 AM, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
County Auditor Linda Libal, Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, and Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy provided updates for their respective departments.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 04 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of August 13, 2024.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Administrative Payments $ 7,626.00
b. Region III Payments $ 48,188.43
c. Special Payments $ 3,463.14
3. Approve Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premise Permit application of Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club to conduct lawful gambling at Happy Wanderers Inc located at 10502 State Hwy 1 Isabella, MN 55607
4. Approve Resolution granting Lake County Attorney Lara Nygaard authority to execute such agreements and amendments as are necessary to implement a cooperative agreement with Office of Justice Programs in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
5. Authorize payment to Office of the State Auditor in the amount of $39,730.00 on Claim No. 72305 (Services for the period 8-30-23 to 7-16-24) for 2022 Lake County Audit and for $184.00 on Claim No. 72307 (Services for the period 8-30-23 to 7-16-24) for 2022 Lake County Road and Bridge Audit.
6. Authorize Highway Department payment to McCoy Construction & Forestry at a cost not to exceed $7,703.39 for repair to John Deer 672GP Grader, Unit #5191.
7. Accept and request Board Chair to sign and attest the three work orders in the Sourcewell EZIQC Contract No.: MN-R2-PAV-040622- NCD dated 08/14/2024 with Northland Constructors of Duluth, Inc.; further resolved, authorize payment to Northland Constructors in the amount not to exceed $54,430.93 for the three proposed projects.
8. Accept estimate # 1096 from JF Masonry LLC (low bidder) dated 07/08/2024 for $29,500.00. Furthermore, authorize payment to JF Masonry LLC in the amount not to exceed $32,000.00. Price difference between “estimate amount” and “not to exceed amount” ($2,500.00) is due to the unknown condition of materials behind stucco and brick areas of the front façade.
9. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-021r, submitted by James Udenberg and Jessica Haar (Agent: Kelsy Skluzacek & Dawn Janousek) at 1708 Hwy 61, Two Harbors MN 55616.
10. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-022r, submitted by Thorson House of Lake County, LLC (Agent: Kullen Birkeland) at 6076 Hwy 61, Silver Bay MN 55614.
11. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-023r, submitted by Paula & Emily Ford at 165 Church Road, Knife River MN 55609.
12. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-024i, submitted by Alexander Gurtin (Agent: Scott Gurtin) at 2483 Hwy 61, Two Harbors MN 55616 .
13. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-24-025i, submitted by Franconia Minerals LLC at NW 1/4 of SE 1/4 in Section 25, Township 60, Range 10 in Stony River Township. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 05 – Approve the trial appointment of Wendy Morlang, Accounting Technician, to Senior Accounting Technician at the Step 4 rate of $26.99 per hour effective September 2, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 06 – Approve the probationary appointment of Duane Fransen to Mechanic at the Step 8 rate of $30.40 per hour effective August 28, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 07 – Approve the resignation of Katherine Ochtrup, Deputy Sheriff, effective September 5, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 08 – Approve the internal posting for one full-time Deputy Sheriff. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 09 – Approve the change in employee status of Blake Ross, Environmental Services Specialist, due to completion of probation period effective August 29, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 10 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:17 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings to be held 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, September 3, 2024
• Budget meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
