OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD LAKE COUNTY, MINNESOTA

Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 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 a 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 absent: None. Also present in the SRRR: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Interim County Auditor Ronni Radle, Land Commissioner Nate Eide, Health and Human Services Director Lisa B. Hanson, Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, County Veterans Services Officer Brad Anderson, Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan. Present via interactive technology: Assistant County Attorney Russ Conrow.

MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON:
01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None

Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Members of the public were present. Two individuals spoke during the public comments period. Tanya Bruzek, President of Operation Volunteers for Veterans (Operation V4V) a 501 (c) (3)organization, provided information about a Community Meet and Greet event scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025,from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Two Harbors Community Center, 417 South Ave, Two Harbors, MN. This gathering offers an opportunity for community leaders, organizations, and residents to meet the Board of Directors, learn more about its mission and engage in open dialogue about how we can work together to strengthen and serve our community. Ms. Bruzek provided copies of the Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation of Operation Volunteers for Veterans, Operation V4V’s mission: “To honor and serve those who have served our nation by providing comprehensive support, advocacy, and assistance to Veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers. ”To learn more or get involved, contactoperationv4v@gmail.com; donations can be made at North Shore Federal Credit Union designated for Operation Volunteers for Veterans. Lake County Veterans Services Officer (CVSO) Brad Anderson is an advisory board member on OperationV4V. CVSO Anderson advised that over the past five (5) years as CVSO, several community members have expressed interest in volunteering with the CVSO office. CVSO Anderson kept those ideas in mind for a future project that he had named Operation Volunteer for Veterans. When Ms. Bruzek approached CVSO Anderson with a similar idea, he shared the name he had in mind and offered his full support for Operation V4V.

Keri Cavitt, Regional Director Northeast Region for the University of Minnesota (U of M) – Extension program, thanked the County Board for its support. Director Cavitt invited County Commissioners to attend Knife River Futures community meetings that are scheduled to share updates, including findings and recommendations from the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) University Team; these community meetings are hosted by the Knife River Recreation Council at the Knife River Recreation Center on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Keri Cavitt is on the ESMC Steering Committee. ESMC is a community-driven action effort that creates a community scale strategy, identifies projects that support the strategy, and strengthens the projects’ funding proposals. ESMC Community Futures partnerships are led by the Minnesota Design Center, with the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships.

Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. He discussed an upcoming vacancy on the Arrowhead Library System (ALS) Governing Board of Directors. County Commissioner Joe Baltich expressed interest in being appointed to the ALS Board. Administrator Huddleston advised that he plans to bring forward a Tax Abatement Financing (TAF) draft policy for County Board consideration in November 2025. Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler provided an update on Grand Portage Coast Guard rescue vessels. The new rescue vessels are operating through a new partnership between The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Cook and Lake County’s Sheriff’s offices, for emergency response efforts on Lake Superior.

At 2:30 p.m. the Board Chair recessed the County Board Meeting in order to convene a Public Hearing on the Petition from Ronald Lanthier requesting the establishment of a Cartway pursuant to Minn. Stat.§ § 164.07 and 164.08 to provide access to property identified as Lake County Tax Parcel No. 25-5311. There will be separate official proceedings from that public hearing. Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard advised on next steps of the process. The public hearing was closed at 3:12 p.m. and will be reconvened at a later date after a land survey is obtained. The petitioner and neighbors will be informed when the public hearing is set to be reconvened.

Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting was reconvened at 3:17 p.m., with all members present. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston continued his report on several items of county business. Assistant County Attorney Russell Conrow discussed the situation with boat access to Hare Lake. The plan was approved in 2008. 16 years later, in 2024, large rocks were placed at the public access location, impeding trailerable boat access to the lake. There was discussion regarding the plat approval and regarding how long the access has allowed the public to trailer a boat in and out of the lake. County Commissioners provided direction to the County Attorney to restore trailerable boat access to the lake.

Lake County Health and Human Services Director Lisa B. Hanson discussed local impacts to county operations and residents as a result of the federal government shutdown. Director Hanson discussed the federal suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (also known as food aid or food stamps) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits, effective November 1, 2025, due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown. November SNAP and MFIP food benefits will not be issued until the federal government shutdown ends. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced $4 million in state funding to food shelves in response to the loss of SNAP benefits. $4 million in state funding will not “make up” for the $74 million in federal SNAP funding Minnesota receives a month. Federal funding for the Energy Assistance Program is currently on hold, also known as heating assistance or fuel assistance program. Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program is operational right now, but will run out of money in the next couple of weeks. Beginning Nov. 1, children will be at risk of losing access to Head Start, the federal early-learning program for low-income families. Director Hanson discussed her request for board action with respect to the food shelves in Two Harbors and Silver Bay.

Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard informed the County Board about the Domestic Violence Awareness Month art exhibit currently on display in the atrium of the Law Enforcement Center in Two Harbors. Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy advised that she is present for any questions about her department’s several requests for board action. Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza provided an update on several projects. CVSO Brad Anderson advised that he is present for any questions on the request from the American Legion for Veterans’ Day funding assistance.

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND
GOUTERMONT: 02 – Approve Consent
Agenda as presented:

1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of October 14, 2025.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
   a. Administrative Payments $ 6,450.00
   b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 239,586.40
   c. Special Payments $ 7,490.36
3. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with Northshore Area Partners to provide community support services for Lake County citizens age 60+ for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $46,500.00.
4. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with Northshore Area Partners to provide footcare services to Lake County citizens age 60+ for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $3,800.00.
5. Approve and authorize the Lake County Board Chair to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement with the Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment for chemical health services the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $16,000.00.
6. Approve and authorize the Lake County Board Chair to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement with Kartta Group, LLC, for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $12,000.00.
7. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the Memorandum of Agreement between Lake County and First Witness Child Advocacy Center for Safe and Strong Child© and Safe and Strong Communities programming, and Forensic Interview and Coordination Services for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in a total amount not to exceed $11,550.00.
8. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake County and Kayla Diercks, MA, BCBA, LLC, for training and consultation services for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00.
9. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake County and Up North Therapy to provide mental health services to Lake County residents for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00.
10. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the Purchase of Service Agreement between Lake County and Crosswind Counseling Center for mental health services for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $6,000.00.
11. Authorize Lisa B. Hanson, Health and Human Services Director, to sign all award letters, grant agreements, and amendments for state and federal grants and allocations (excluding Region III ABHI grants and allocations) for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
12. Approve and authorize the Lake County Board Chair to sign the Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) Provider Application and Provider Assurance Statement.
13. . Approve and authorize Jonathan Plese, Financial Assistance Supervisor, to submit the 2026 2027 Lake County Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Biennial Service Agreement to the Department of Human Services, under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 256J.626, subdivision 4.
14. Approve and authorize financial assistance for the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf in the amount of $10,000.00 for calendar year 2026.
15. Approve and authorize financial assistance for the Silver Bay Food Shelf in the amount of $10,000.00 for calendar year 2026.
16. Authorize payment to Kemble Inc. (Invoice # 600790) in the amount of $12,000 for the chipping of the 2025 seasons brush material. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 cubic yards of wood waste/brush were ground to create approximately 2,200 cubic yards of wood chips.
17. Authorize payment to Ulland Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $6,798.76 for the remainder of the landfill expansion construction retainage. This amount is $4,160.00 over the previously approved Board approvals of $419,114 for the project bid and $42,728.60 for change orders.
18. Authorize payment not to exceed the amount of $156,234.81 to SHI Corp. (Quote 26530029 dated September 14, 2025), for this year’s payment of the County’s M365 subscription.
19. Authorize funding assistance to Anderson-Claffy American Legion Post 109, for its Veterans’ Day Dinner, in a donation amount of $2,800.00.
20. Award a professional services agreement to Bolton & Menk in the amount of $ 9,000.00 to provide topographic and utility surveys for CP 107-026-001, Adams Boulevard Reconstruction (Banks Boulevard to Outer Drive), and authorize the County Engineer to sign the agreement pending County Attorney review.
21. Authorize payment to MSA Professional Services at a cost not to exceed $18,000.00 for wetland delineation and reporting services required for planned culvert replacement projects and gravel crushing contracts.
22. Approve Lodging Tax disbursement to Lovin Lake County in the amount of $465,468.84.
23. Authorize County Auditor to enter into agreement with Auto Agent Data Solutions, LLC for use of the Munici Pay processing platform for online and in-person credit card payments. Term of agreement is three years and shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless terminated by either party upon 30 days’ written notice.
24. Authorize County Auditor to enter into agreement with AutoAgent Data Solutions, LLC for use of the EscrowCloud platform for automation of property tax data exchange and payment by Tax Servicers processing mass payments. Term of agreement is three years and shall be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless terminated by either party upon 60 days’ written notice, unless terminated by either party for Good Cause upon 60 days’ notice.
25. Resolution designating Moreton Capital Markets, LLC as an additional depository for county funds.
26. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-25-024r, submitted by Sisu House, LLC at 5506 Little Marais Road, Finland, MN 55603.
27. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-25-025i, submitted by Ryan & Keri Cavitt at 361 Scenic Drive, Two Harbors, MN 55616.
28. Adopt findings and conditions by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-25-026i, submitted by Cliff Pointe Ventures LLC at 1825 Cliff Point Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616. Absent: None

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 03 – Approve the probationary appointment of Johnathan Woodworth to Engineering Technician at the Step 1 rate of $23.47 per hour effective November 3, 2025. Absent: None

MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 04 – Approve the Highway Department request to fill three 67-day temporary Snow Plow Operator positions at $23.00 per hour. Absent: None

MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 05 – Approve the appointment of Cammie Young, Human Resources Director, as the Lake County Affirmative Action Officer for 2025. Absent: None

MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 06 – Approve the revisions to the Affirmative Action Plan and authorize Chair to sign. Absent: None

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 07 – Approve the retirement of Marianne Marshall, Mental Health Professional, effective January 30, 2026. Absent: None

MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time
Mental Health Professional. Absent: None

MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 09 – Grant Lisa B. Hanson, Health and Human Services Director, discretion to provide additional funding to the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf and/or the Silver Bay Food Shelf in a total amount not to exceed $20,000. Further authorize Lake County staff to assist at the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf, with supervisor or department head approval, during the regular work day during the federal government shutdown. Absent: None

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on the consent agenda. The motion carried.

MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 10 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 4:05 p.m. Absent: None

The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings:

• Agenda meeting at 2:00 p.m. onTuesday, November 4, 2025, inthe Lake County Service Center,Split Rock River Room, 616 ThirdAvenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
• Committee of the Whole, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Lake County Highway Department Headquarters, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota.

ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners