Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Board Chairperson Rich Sve. Chairperson 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.
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, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member absent: District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd. Also present in the SRRR: Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Hurd
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of December 23, 2025.
2. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ organizational meeting minutes of January 6, 2026.
3. Accept sales order #671572 from State Supply Company (low bidder), dated 12/31/2025 in the amount of $6,935.71. Furthermore, authorize payment to State Supply Company in an amount not to exceed $7,935.71. Difference between sales order amount ($6,935.71) and amount not to exceed ($7,935.71) is for all other parts and supplies needed for installing new pump.
4. Approve payment to St Louis County Public Works Department, invoice #307589, in the amount of $16,071.43 for 2026 ATV Joint Powers Board costs.
5. Approve payment to Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MNCCC), invoice 2601096, in the amount of $28,400.00 for 2026 IFS support.
6. Approve distribution of the first half 2026 allocation payment to the Lake County Historical Society for assistance with January insurance renewal.
7. Authorize payment to Minnesota Sheriff’s Association (MSA) in the amount of $5,390.32 (Invoice# 4287) for the 2026 MSA dues, Lexipol (policies) and ICLD (training). These three items were previously billed separately but are now on one invoice. (ICLD: Institute for Credible Leadership Development. The ICLD System is a four-phase, on-line, leadership learning system adopted by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association.)
8. Authorize payment to Cellebrite, Inc. in the amount of $15,490.00 (Quote# Q-477742-1) for the Cellebrite subscription from Jan 1, 2026 – Jan 24, 2027.
9. Approve an increase of the total cost of wetland delineation and reporting services for various culvert pipe replacement projects, to be completed by MSA Professional Services, at a cost not to exceed $20,000.00, an increase of $2,000.00.
10. Authorize the County to enter a professional services contract with Mineralogic for technical support related to the development of proposed gas mining rules in Minnesota, in an amount not to exceed $20,000, on a time-and-materials basis. Absent: Hurd
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 03 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 2:33 p.m. Absent: Hurd
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meeting at the Lake County Highway Department, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota:
– Committee of the Whole – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: February 6, 2026
