Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 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 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, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member(s) absent: None.
Also present in the SRRR: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim Auditor-Treasurer Ronni Radle, Land Commissioner / Forestry Department Head Nate Eide, County Engineer Jason DiPiazza, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: None
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for other public comments. No public comments were made.
Liz Anderson, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Coordinator & Water Resources Technician for the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), provided an update on the Lake County AIS Program. Ms. Anderson discussed program metrics from the first 12 years, beginning in 2014, including data on AIS program spending, the value of volunteer hours, watercraft inspections, community outreach and engagement, monitoring, successes of AIS Prevention Aid (AISPA), the work plan for 2026, and potential changes in funding for fiscal year 2028. Ms. Anderson advised that in inspection data, we are seeing 99% compliance rates with the Drain Plug Law. Ms. Anderson advised about the infested waters list maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) and the specific species that are included in that data. It was discussed that AIS prevention aid helps in slowing the rate of AIS spread, not eliminating it. Lake County SWCD Manager Tara Solem advised that SWCD will bring forward a proposal for the next contract with Lake County.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided updates on several items of county business. Lake County Interim Auditor-Treasurer Ronni Radle advised that it is property tax week, with first half taxes due on Friday. Auditor Radle discussed the 2026 forfeiture process and the 60-day redemption window. Auditor Radle also discussed election administration, working with emergency management, and documenting a policy on chain of custody. County Engineer Jason DiPiazza discussed projects for the construction season, continuation projects, road closures, and detours and was present to answer any requests on his requests for board action. Present via interactive technology: Assistant County Attorney Russ Conrow joined the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda, as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of April 28, 2026.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts: a. Administrative Payments $ 24,059.03 b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 320,483.92
3. Adopt findings and conditions by the Environmental Services Department for Interim Use Application I-26-011, submitted by Kitti Eddy at 1726 Hwy 61, Two Harbors MN.
4. Adopt findings and conditions by the Environmental Services Department for Interim Use Application I-26-012, submitted by Paul & Arica Sutherland at 5669 West Park Hill Road, Finland, MN 55603.
5. Award CSP 025-001 to the lowest responsible bidder, Hoover Construction Company in the amount of $ 398,400.00 for the Aggregate Stockpile Production contract and authorize the Board Chair to sign the construction contract pending County Attorney review.
6. Award SP 038-602-035 to the lowest responsible bidder, Hawkinson Construction Co. Inc. in the amount of $1,980,052.65 for the Highway 2 Resurfacing Project, Reeves Road to Wales Road, and authorize the Board Chair to sign the construction contract pending County Attorney review. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 03 – Approve the probationary appointment of Meghann Levitt to Public Health Supervisor at the 2025 Step 6 rate of $43.89 per hour effective May 26, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 04 – Approve the changes to the 67-Day Temporary Employee Wage Schedule. Absent: None
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 05 – Approve the Auditor’s Office request to fill two 67-day temporary Election Support Specialist positions at $20.50 per hour. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 06 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Jocelyn Carr, Engineering Intern, at $20.50 per hour effective May 18, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 07 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Jacob Petron, Engineering Intern, at $20.50 per hour effective May 18, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 08 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Oren Dewey, Grounds Maintenance Worker, at $19.00 per hour including first year return incentive effective May 20, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 09 – Approve the renewal of a Medical Leave of Absence without pay for employee #2077 effective May 18, 2026, for up to six months with the condition that the return will be based on an available vacancy. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 10 – Approve the release from probation of Jill Lekatz Schield, Administrative Assistant, effective May 8, 2026. Absent: None
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 11 – Approve the recruitment for one part-time Administrative Assistant in the Recorder’s Office. Absent: None
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 12 – Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the 2026-2028 Labor Agreement between Lake County and Teamsters Local 320 covering Courthouse employees. Absent: None
The County Board recessed at 2:50 p.m. for a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subd. 3 (c3) to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property. The closed session was convened at 2:55 p.m.
County Commissioner Rick Hogenson left the meeting at 3:38 p.m. The closed session was adjourned at 3:39 p.m. The regular meeting was reconvened at 3:40 p.m.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 13 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:41 p.m. Absent: None
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings:
• Meeting of the Committee of the Whole at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Isabella Community Center, Isabella, Minnesota.
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 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: June 5, 2026
