Tuesday, September 22, 2026. 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. 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 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member absent: District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson. Also present: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim County Auditor Ronelle Radle, and County Veterans Services Officer (CVSO) Brad Anderson.
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Hogenson
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made. Lake CVSO Brad Anderson provided an annual overview of the Lake County Veterans Services Office. Lake CVSO Brad Anderson and Assistant County Veterans Services Officer (ACVSO) Melissa Crandall work together to serve U.S. military Veterans. The presentation title was “Lake County, Minnesota, Veterans Services, 80 Years of Service. Building for the Future” and included an overview “From Legacy to Continuity: Minnesota created the CVSO system in 1945”. The MN CVSO system was authorized by state law in 1945; Lake County has been serving Veterans since 1946. CVSO Brad Anderson emphasized preserving what we learn: documented standards, policies, processes, and institutional knowledge. The mission has endured for over 80 years, through many changes. In 2023, Lake County changed its CVSO office to include two CVSOs, a CVSO and an ACVSO (A stands for Assistant in the professional job title Assistant County Veterans Services Officer). The addition of the Assistant CVSO position significantly increased our capacity and continuity of services.
CVSO Brad Anderson discussed the complexities of “Serving Veterans Across Multiple Systems: CVSOs work with local governmental entities”. Working with multiple jurisdictions requires coordination. VSOs work closely with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). At the Federal level, the Lake County (MN) VSOs work with the VBA (Veterans Benefits Administration) on benefits, with the VHA (Veterans Health Administration) on healthcare, and with the NCA (National Cemetery Administration). CVSO Brad Anderson reviewed “What Veterans Services Actually Does”. CVSOs and ACVSOs assist Veterans and their families throughout many processes and procedures, including: A) Initial contact; direct client assistance; B) Claims and benefits advocacy; C) Health care and long-term-care navigation; D) Benefits and Care; survivor, dependent, and caregiver assistance; E) Claims and life changes; outreach, education, and resource connection; F) Aging and end of life; G) Death and burial; partnerships and interagency coordination; H) Survivors and dependents; compliance, policy, and program development. CVSOs are often the local, personal point of contact for larger systems. We direct client assistance. That relationship may continue through many different stages of the Veteran’s life.
CVSO Brad Anderson discussed the Veterans Administration (VA) Disability Compensation process. Filing the claim is one step in a much larger process. Steps Public Notice Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. ASSUMED NAME: Spooled Up Customs PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 1034 Airport Rd Two Harbors MN 55616 USA APPLICANTS(S): Name: LNC Enterprises Address: 1034 Airport Rd Two Harbors MN 55616 USA By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statutes section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. SIGNED BY: Nicholas Cotton MAILING ADDRESS: 1034 Airport Rd Two Harbors MN 55616 Email Address for Official Notices: cotton.nick@outlook.com Northshore Journal: October 23 & 30, 2026 include: 1) Assess; 2) Develop; 3) File; 4) VA Develop / Exam; 5) VA Decision; 6) Review / Next Steps. CVSO Brad Anderson discussed that we have two VSOs and one standard of service. We need shared documentation practices so that Veterans receive consistent services regardless of which VSO assists them. This is good organizational practice. We have two VSOs and one standard of service. Building a methodology for claims development has been AI-Assisted Research and Development (AI R&D). AI does not make decisions and does not replace the CVSO. We document what can be standardized and preserve context so current and future staff understand not only what we do, but why we do it.
CVSO Brad Anderson discussed outreach: service before the Veteran calls. Outreach connects Veterans to resources and connects Veterans Services to the community. Lake VSOs provide ongoing outreach and education. Lake County’s involvement with MACVSO is especially valuable. CVSO Brad Anderson has been selected as the MACVSO District 3 Representative, for the third consecutive year, and also serves as Chair of the Futures Task Force. These roles give Lake County access to conversations, resources, and experience from CVSOs across the state. CVSO Brad Anderson discussed the Lake County Veterans Memorial. This project has led to more data requests for Veteran information, RA / Data practices review, and collaboration with the Data Protection Officer (DPO). CVSO Brad Anderson discussed the Lake County Veterans Memorial project and how our office has supported the project in a number of ways; as the project has developed, we have received substantially more requests for Veteran information and records. CVSO Brad Anderson serves as the Data Practices Responsible Authority (RA) for Lake CVSO office.
Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an update on several items of county business. County Administrator Huddleston discussed a proposed building project with siding that is in the planning stages for Little Marais Community Center, located in Unorganized Territory No. 1 (UT#1). County Administrator Huddleston advised that he will be sending out a meeting invitation for a Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) meeting. Land Commissioner Nate Eide provided a culvert update and discussed fire meetings. County Auditor Ronni Radle provided an elections update and clarified the land auction discussion for the 2026 tax-forfeited sale scheduled for October 16, 2026. Lake CVSO Brad Anderson noted that soon the Lake County Veterans Memorial Association (LCVMA) will be submitting a request with documentation for matching funds. Lake CVSO Brad Anderson will include a financial report in an upcoming meeting packet for the County Board. Additionally, a funding request was discussed for a facilities infrastructure recreation project for the Little Marais Community Center and any potential need to increase the levy to help finance the project.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of September 8, 2026.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Administrative Payments $ 19,271.00
b. Arrowhead Behavioral Health Initiative Payments $ 8,792.52
c. Special Payments $ 3,863.53
3. Authorize payment in the amount of $6,310.00 (Invoice No. 10146 dated 26 July 2026, from Hegfors, Inc.) to Phil Hegfors and Son Construction for Firewise brush pile stacking.
4. Rescind the appointment of Marlys Wisch from the Lake County Health and Human Services Advisory Committee, effective July 21, 2026.
5. Approve the Resolution Authorizing MnDOT Agreement 1063903 with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation for state cost compensation for road life Consumed by the detour for State Project 3804-62 on Trunk Highway 61 in Two Harbors.
6. Rescind Consent Agenda item number 10 from the Lake County Board of Commissioners’ meeting minutes of July 28, 2026.
7. Authorize payment in the amount of $28,506.45 plus fees and delivery to Menards for plastic culverts to be used on snowmobile trail and forest roads.
8. Authorize payment not to exceed the amount of $10,000 to Nuspire, LLC, a PDI Technologies company (Invoice #INV2684681) for Managed Gateway Services – Firewall annual maintenance and support renewal. Absent: Hogenson.
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 03 – Set the date and time for the 2027 Levy and Budget Public Hearing (Truth in Taxation meeting) as follows: 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at the Lake County Highway Department Headquarters, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 04 – Adopt the preliminary 2027 Net Property Tax Levy for Unorganized Territory No. 1. There was a discussion about increasing the levy to help with the community center siding project in the amount of $30,000. Lake County Commissioner Joe Baltich amended the motion from $25,000 to $30,000; Lake Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd supported the change. The Lake County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2027 Net Property Tax Levy for Unorganized Territory No 1. In the amount of $30,000. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 05 – Adopt the preliminary 2027 Net Property Tax Levy for Unorganized Territory No. 2 in the amount of $476,250 (Revenue Fund in the amount of $131,250 and Road and Bridge Fund in the amount of $345,000). Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 06 – Adopt the preliminary 2027 Net Property Tax Levy for Lake County in the amount of $14,262,471. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 07 – Adopt the preliminary 2027 Net Property Tax Levy for Lake County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA) in the amount of $686,171. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND HURD: 08 – Approve the change in employee status of Joseph Leeper, Senior Engineering Technician, due to completion of Probation period effective September 25, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 09 – Approve the change in employee status of Kimberly Fehring, Accounting Technician, due to completion of Probation period effective September 30, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 10 – Approve the resignation of Joe Yost, Highway Maintenance Worker, effective September 22, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION BALTICH, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 11 – Approve the recruitment for one full-time Highway Maintenance Worker. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND BALTICH: 12 – Approve the change in employee status of Keri Parks, Administrative Assistant, due to completion of trial period effective September 22, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 13 – Approve the probationary appointment of Zachary Bentler to Appraiser at the 2026 Step 1 rate of $26.10 per hour effective October 5, 2026. Absent: Hogenson
MOTION HURD, SECOND BALTICH: 14 – Adjourn meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners at 3:36 p.m. Absent: Hogenson
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meeting in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota:
– Strategic Planning Session, at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. No action is taken at strategic planning meetings.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meeting in the Lake County Highway Department, Highway 2 Meeting Room, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
– Budget meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026. No action is taken at budget meetings.
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, October 6, 2026. No action is taken at agenda meetings.
– Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Board action is taken during regular meetings of the Lake County Board of Commissioners.
ATTEST:
Matthew J. Huddleston
Acting Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: October 23, 2026
