December 2, 2025. 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. County Board members present in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Ave, 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(s) absent: None. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim County Auditor/ Treasurer Ronelle “Ronni” Radle, Land Commissioner Nate Eide, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None
Lake County Board Chair Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made. Ward Einess, founder of Einess Strategies LLC, appeared before the Lake County Board of Commissioners and provided a brief background on his work experience over the last few decades. Einess Strategies LLC is a government relations and public policy management firm that has been retained to help Lake County navigate the legislative process and rulemaking processes across multiple jurisdictions, in the creation of streamlined regulations for helium extraction, ensuring fair compensation for mineral rights holders, and optimizing tax benefits for the County and its residents. Mr. Einess will assist Lake County by collaborating closely with the state legislature, state agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure that the regulatory framework for helium extraction benefits the people of Lake County, enhances local governance, and supports the long-term prosperity of the County.
Lovin Lake County Executive Director Janelle Jones reviewed the 2025 Annual Report for the period of October 2024 through September 2025, and the Lovin Lake County 2026 Budget Proposal, as shown on the last page of the 2025 annual report. One correction that will be made to the 2026 Budget Proposal is a change to the dollar amount for renting the Campground bathhouse building from the City of Two Harbors, which is where Lovin Lake County offices are located. Lovin Lake County is a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) with a vision to become a top Midwest destination for outdoor enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and families. Executive Director Janelle Jones discussed trends with tourism in Lake County, reviewed marketing campaign highlights and advised regarding strategic plans for next year, including ways to stimulate growth for the shoulder seasons, such as springtime. Lovin Lake County focuses on small town hospitality and educates on the concept of “Leave No Trace” for being good stewards of outdoor land. Executive Director Janelle Jones discussed the popularity of programs such as “Meet the Makers”, where people can observe what it takes to build a canoe, for example. Lake County’s waterfalls are a main attraction. The infrastructure and availability of fiber optic cable connectivity (high-speed internet) play a role in attracting visitors and promoting tourism in Lake County. On display were two awards that Lovin Lake County has received: 1) Explore Minnesota 2025 Outstanding Video Award, and 2) Parthe Productions 46th Annual Silver Telly Award for tourism campaign promotion. Also discussed were print productions and online presence, through platforms such as Instagram. Executive Director Janelle Jones emphasized the importance of economic development to support our restaurants and gift shops through the upcoming road construction years of the Highway 61 corridor. She advised that we receive positive feedback on our events, which help strengthen our organizations and non-profit agencies. Lake County Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd left the meeting at 3:00 p.m. Executive Director Janelle Jones advised that she is requesting that the Lake County Board approve a lodging tax disbursement to Lovin Lake County. This request was not submitted in advance of the County Board meeting and is not included on the consent agenda or resolution items and will need to be read into the record if the County Board were to act on the request today. Interim County Auditor/Treasurer Ronni Radle advised regarding a potential process change for distributions to Lovin Lake County. Ms. Radle will prepare a proposal for changes to the distribution process. Lake County Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd returned to the meeting at 3:02 p.m.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. Interim County Auditor / Treasurer Ronni Radle advised that she has been finalizing budget reports and that the current land sale will be closing tomorrow at 1:00 PM on December 3, 2025. This sale is governed by the Laws of Minnesota, 2024, Chapter 113, as amended by Chapter 127, Article 70, Section 10. For more information, visit: https://mntaxforfeituresettlement.com/. Lake County land sales may be found in the Forestry Department section of the county website at www.co.lake.mn.us/ forestry/land-sales/. Any tracts which are unsold by said bid deadline may be purchased at not less than the appraised value on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 AM, December 4, 2025, to first eligible purchaser providing a signed purchase agreement and full payment for the tract to the office of the County Auditor, until such time the County Board or Land Commissioner determines it to be in the public interest to withdraw from sale. Lake County Land Commissioner Nate Eide discussed the land sale that is currently underway and advised regarding another land sale that is coming up soon. Mr. Eide advised that there are new rules for the settlement sales. Mr. Eide discussed a potential land exchange with Stromquist that the Lake County Land / Forestry Department proposes an appraisal authorization for board action on December 16, 2025. The proposed resolution would authorize the Land Commissioner to obtain an appraisal for the worth of the land and is a requirement for final approval by the State Land Exchange Board. This is work toward obtaining a permanent easement for the trust. There was a discussion regarding lands that do not sell at auction; those parcels become available as over-the-counter land sales at the County Auditor’s Office. These tracts become available to the first interested party who arrives at the Lake County Auditor’s Office, located in the Lake County Courthouse, with the completed paperwork and full payment.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of November 25, 2025. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 03 – Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Minnesota Paid Leave premiums between Lake County and Minnesota Public Employees Association covering Supervisory employees. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 04 – Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Minnesota Paid Leave premiums between Lake County and Minnesota Public Employees Association covering Dispatcher/Corrections Officer employees. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 05 – Approve the decrease in hours for Russell Conrow, Assistant County Attorney, to 30 hours per week effective December 8, 2025. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 06 – Authorize the Board Chair to sign a letter with wolf management comments addressed to U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 07 – Approve lodging tax disbursement to Lovin Lake County in the amount of $258,025.70. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 08 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:30 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings:
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: January 2, 2026
