OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD LAKE COUNTY, MINNESOTA

Tuesday, October 14, 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 unanimous yea vote. Lake County Board members present in the Lake County Ser vice Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota: District 1 Commissioner Joe Baltich, District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member present via interactive technology: District 2 Commissioner Der rick “Rick” L. Goutermont. Board member Absent: None. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard, Land Commissioner Nate Eide, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.

MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 01

– Approval of the agenda. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

Lake County Board Chair Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Finnegan’s Farm LLC owner Patrick Finnegan and organizer Kelly Finnegan appeared before the County Board of Commissioners to discuss their cultivation operation and the permissions they are seeking to be able to extract and manufacture cannabis-related products. The Finnegans invited the Lake County Commissioners to Finnegan’s Farm to see the operations, industry, and process.

County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. Administrator Huddleston advised that Lake County Environmental Services Director Christine McCarthy has announced her intention to conclude her tenure with Lake County at the end of 2025. Administrator Huddleston discussed changes in the Environmental Services Department over Christine McCarthy’s tenure here at Lake County. Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard was present at the County Board meeting regarding next steps on a cartway petition. Attorney Nygaard discussed next steps for the Lanthier Cartway hearing, to be held at 2:30 P.M. on October 28, 2025. Commissioners asked questions about the survey process and about the resolution language. Attorney Nygaard advised that the language is from the statute.

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 02

– Approve the selection of Einess Strategies LLC for government relations services during the 2026 legislative session and authorizes the County Administrator to execute a contract in an amount not to exceed $24,000. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 03

– Approve Consent Agenda as presented:

1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of September 23, 2025.

2. Approve the Public Hearing minutes of September 23, 2025, held to receive comments on a proposed use change for Parcel #27-5707 30790 and Parcel #27-5707-30730 in Lake County, Minnesota.

3. Approve Health and Human Ser vices claims payments in the following amounts:

a. Administrative Payments $ 19,775.17

b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 169,485.12

c. Arrowhead Health Alliance Payments $ 36,000.00

4. Approve the following for Lake County General Motor Pool (GMP) Fleet.

– Accept quote # 9284344 (dated 09/08/2025) from Enterprise Fleet Management for the purchase of two (2) 2026 Chevrolete Equinox All-Wheel Drive SUVs. Both Equinox vehicles are the same models and prices are identical.

– Approve the sale of the two (2) Ford Escape SUVs currently under the Lake County GMP Fleet (VIN# 1FMCU9GD 1KUC04473 and VIN# IFMCU 9G65LUB8474) and the sale of the Chevrolet Equinox (VIN# 2GNFLEE50C6215366).

– Furthermore, approve the transfer of the Dodge Durango (VIN# 1C45DJFT5GC455309) from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to the GMP Fleet.

5. Approve the renewal of all current liquor/wine license holders for the 2026 calendar year contingent upon the approval of the County Attorney and Sheriff, filing of proper paperwork and payment of applicable fees.

6. Authorize payment of $6,000.00 to Sun Control of Minnesota, Inc. (In voice #82487) for the graphics for the new 2025 squads.

7. Approve changes to the Lake County Health and Human Ser vices Burial Assistance Policy effective January 1, 2026. Changes include:

• an increase in the available asset limit (from $2,000 to $2,500);

• an increase in the maximum rate for cremation without funeral service (from $2,000 to $2,500);

• an increase in the maximum rate for cremation with funeral service (from $2,300 to $2,800); and

• an increase in the maximum rate for funeral home costs for a traditional funeral with earth burial (from $2,500 to $2,800)

Further approve Lake County Health and Human Services staff to increase these amounts by 3% on January 1 of each subsequent year without further Board approval.

8. Approve and authorize Curt Backen, Facilities Director, to sign the Snow Removal Contract with Swanson Trucking Services for the 2025-2026 Winter Season on behalf of Lake County.

9. Authorize the Highway Department to return to (5) eight-hour days per week schedule, Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, October 20, 2025.

10. Authorize the Board Chair and Highway Engineer to sign an agreement with MnDOT to provide winter roadway maintenance ser vices on CR 221 (Split Rock State Park Access) and Old Highway 61 in Beaver Bay Township through June 2026, for a cost not to exceed $4,722.96.

11. Authorize the Highway Department purchase of winter road salt from Morton Salt, Inc. through State CPV Contract 230570 (Contract Release S-763(5)) in the amount of $73.74 per ton delivered to the Two Harbors highway shop and $81.60 per ton delivered to the Finland highway shop payable upon de livery through May 31, 2026, for a maximum estimated purchase total of $119,280.00.

12. Authorize Highway Department purchase of cutting edges from Ziegler Companies at a cost not to exceed $25,022.34 plus any additional tax and delivery fees.

13. Authorize Highway Department purchase of three annual renewal software licenses for AutoDesk Civil 3D civil infrastructure design software and one year renewal for Arkance Ultra+ Service from DLT Solutions, LLC at a cost not to exceed $5,507.79 plus any additional tax, or registration fees.

14. Authorize Highway Department payment to Ziegler Companies at a cost not to exceed $23,000.00 for repairs and replacement parts on Equipment Unit # 2170, a 2015 CAT 279D track steer skid loader. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 04

– Adopt proclamation observing Operation Green Light for Veterans, as follows:

WHEREAS, the residents of Lake County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Lake County seeks to honor individuals who have made count less sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and

WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military ser vice are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and

WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and

WHEREAS, the Lake County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE SOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Lake County hereby declares from November 4-11, 2025, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of those transitioning from active service; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Lake County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4-11, 2025. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 05

– Approve the change in employee status of John Schlangen, Highway Maintenance Superintendent, due to completion of trial period effective October 19, 2025. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 06

– Approve the release from probation of Nathan Hegg Raway, Dispatcher/ Jailer, effective October 7, 2025. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 07

– Approve the recruitment for one full time male Dispatcher/Jailer. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 08

– Approve the request to rescind the resignation of Amy Overby, Administrative Clerk, effective October 24, 2025. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND BALTICH: 09

– Approve the request to rescind the recruitment for one part-time Administrative Clerk. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 10

– Approve the retirement of Christine McCarthy, Environmental Ser vices Director, effective December 31, 2025. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 11

– Approve the recruitment for one full-time Environmental Services Director. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 12

– Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Parcels #27-5707-30790 and #27-5707-30730 to the Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) to lead to the development of housing, replacing Resolution No. 24042307 that was adopted on April 23, 2024. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 13

– Adopt Resolution Issuing an Order on the Lanthier Cartway Petition and Setting a Public Hearing for 2:30 P.M. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Ayes: Baltich, Goutermont, Hogenson, Hurd, Sve. Nay: None. Absent: None

MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 14

– Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:17 p.m. Absent: None

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

• Committee of the Whole, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Town of Silver Creek meeting room, 1924 Town Hall Road, Two Harbors, Minnesota.

• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 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, November 4, 2025, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.

• Budget meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.