Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Lake County Board of Commissioners rescheduled regular meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve. Chairperson 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 Highway Department, Hwy 2 Conference Room, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota: District 2 Commissioner Derrick “Rick” L. Goutermont, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member absent: District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson. Vacancy: First District. Also present: County Administrator Matt Huddleston, Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) Executive Director Matthew Johnson, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Hogenson
Lake County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made. Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) Director Matthew Johnson introduced himself to the County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Johnson began working for the LCHRA this week on July 24, 2023. He gave a brief overview of his background, experience, and interest in economic development. Lake County Assessor Gregg Swartwoudt arrived during LCHRA Director Matthew Johnson’s introduction.
Assessor Gregg Swartwoudt presented the Lake County Assessor’s Department’s annual report to the County Board. Assessor Swartwoudt reviewed sales ratio study data, historical State Board of Assessor Equalization reports from the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR), statistical assessment data by taxing jurisdiction, estimated market value (EMV) by property type, taxable market values (TMV) by property type, countywide sales statistics, sales statistics by taxing jurisdiction, and foreclosure data. Assessor Swartwoudt reviewed Assessor’s Office calendars, including work cycle calendars for the assessor, appraisers, and administrative staff.
County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. County Sheriff Nathan Stadler provided an update for his office. County Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy was present for any questions on her department’s requests for board action.
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of July 11, 2023.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Administrative $ 14,579.17
b. Region III $ 143,592.54
c. AHA Special Payments $ 7,163.12
3. Accept bids from Gary Stauss Construction (low bidder) dated May 30, 2023, and authorize payment to Gary Stauss Construction in an amount not to exceed $22,000.00. The difference between the bid price and the not to exceed amount is due to the unknown conditions of framing underneath current facias.
4. Approve road name Tettegouche Ridge for a road near 5855 Highway 61. It is currently a driveway that services several parcels and needs a road name for 911 purposes.
5. Approve a four-day temporary on-sale liquor permit for the Lake County Agricultural Society for the dates of August 10-13, 2023, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors.
6. Adopt findings by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-23-016r, submitted by Lax Lakeview Properties for PID 26- 5608-14395.
7. Adopt findings by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-23-018r submitted by Mavrik Joos for PID 25-5211-16655.
8. Adopt findings by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-23-019i submitted by Nate Kofstad for PID 24-5706-18130.
9. Adopt findings by the Planning Commission for Interim Use Application I-23-021i submitted by Knife River Cabins LLC (Wade Myszka) for PID: 25-5211-19010.
10. Amend the Board of Commissioners; meeting minutes of July 12, 2022, Motion 04, Consent Agenda Item 5, to correct a parcel number. The parcel number in the minutes is 23-7663-63130. The correct parcel number is 23-7663-63120.
11. Approve and authorize the Lake County Board Chair and Lake County Environmental Services Director to sign the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) and Lake County for the operation of a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program for the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2027. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 03 – Approve the resignation of Ryan Curtice, Environmental Services Specialist, effective July 12, 2023. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 04 – Approve the trial appointment of Jennette Mettner, Human Services Technician, to Human Services Professional at the Step 1 rate of $30.06 per hour effective August 7, 2023. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 05 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Environmental Services Specialist. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 06 – Adjourn Lake County Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 11:40 AM. Absent: Hogenson
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings 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, August 1, 2023.
– Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioner
