Tuesday, October 22, 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, 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 absent: None. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, County Auditor Linda Libal, County Recorder Lori Ekstrom, Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made.
Lake County Recorder Lori Ekstrom provided an annual update for the Recorder’s Office, including an overview of recording fees, compliance fund balance, and Recorder’s technology fund balance. The compliance committee reviews and discusses options for use of funds. County surveyor services were discussed.
Lake County Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy provided an annual update for Planning & Zoning and Solid Waste. Director McCarthy’s presentation included updates on the recycling center and the demolition landfill, and plans for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. County Administrator Huddleston and County Commissioners reviewed calendars for rescheduling the County Board Work Session that was set for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, The County Board Work Session is now scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
County Auditor Linda Libal and Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza provided updates for their respective departments. Engineer DiPiazza requested that an item be removed from the consent agenda and be updated with changes. One item was removed from the consent agenda for separate board action.
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda, as amended:
1. Approve Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of October 8, 2024.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Administrative Payments $ 6,000.00
b. Region III Payments $ 178,522.51
c. Special Payments $ 55,490.19
3. Authorize payment to Cellebrite in the amount of $6,450 (Invoice# INVUS275972) for the Cellebrite subscription from Nov 25, 2024 – Nov 24, 2025.
4. Approve the application of Blue Waters Development Corporation DBA Superior Shores Resort for a new On Sale liquor license located at 1521 Superior Shores Dr Two Harbors, MN 55616, in Silver Creek Township contingent on the approvals of the County Sheriff, County Attorney, and Silver Creek Township, as well as payment of applicable fees.
5. Authorize the Board Chair, Highway Engineer, Auditor and Attorney to sign a Cooperative Agreement with St. Louis County to bid, award, and contract for Chip Seal and Fog Seal pavement maintenance projects on Lake County roads and make payment to St. Louis County of $750.00 for administration fees plus the value of the contract for work on Lake County roads.
6. Authorize Highway Department payment to Nuss Truck and Equipment at a cost not to exceed $5,986.26 for repairs to unit 4160, a 2017 Mack Plow truck.
7. Authorize the 2024 Municipal Maintenance Distribution to the City of Two Harbors in the amount of $23,827.48.
8. Authorize the 2024 Municipal Maintenance Distribution to the City of Silver Bay in the amount of $23,362.76.
9. Authorize Highway Engineer to sign the Special Event Permit for The Superior Fall Trail Race scheduled for September 5 & 6, 2025 and located along the Superior Hiking Trail between Gooseberry Falls State Park and Lutsen, MN and including several road crossings of Lake County Highways.
10. Authorize funding assistance to Anderson-Claffy American Legion Post 109, for its Veterans’ Day Dinner, in a donation amount of $2,800.00.
11. Approve resolution designating Lake County Human Services Director, Lisa Hanson, to sign on Probate Account for Lake County as Personal Representative of the Estate of John Charles Henze, and to perform the duties of Personal Representative, including but not limited to deposit, withdraw and sign on the account as Estate Personal Representative of the Estate. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 03 – Approve an increase of the total contract cost of CSP 023-001, 2023 Gravel Crushing Contract to a cost not to exceed $320,000.00, an increase of $37,500.00. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 04 – Approve the internal posting for one full-time Highway Maintenance Supervisor. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the resignation of Jason Gray, Human Services Professional, effective October 24, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 06 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Human Services Professional. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 07 – Approve the change in employee status of Amy Overby, Administrative Clerk, due to completion of probation period effective October 24, 2024. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:13 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.
• County Board Work Session at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
• Agenda meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
