Carlton County, MN

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review budget presentations for five departments and hold a public hearing on road transfers. The agenda includes a discussion of the Arrowhead C-PACE Revolving Loan Fund, which finances energy and water improvements for commercial properties. The board will also discuss the Cloquet Fire Hall acquisition and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update.

• Public hearing on Road Transfers scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
• Discussion of ARDC Arrowhead C-PACE Revolving Loan Fund for commercial property improvements
• Review of Cloquet Fire Hall acquisition
• Discussion of Comprehensive Land Use Plan update
• Approval of joining Carlton County Weed Management Area MOU

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to transfer jurisdiction of several roadways with Thomson Township and the City of Cloquet. The county would revoke North and South Frontage Road along CSAH 61 and a portion of Old Highway 61 as county roads, while receiving Erickson Road from the township as a new county road (County Road 150). Public comment will be taken before the board votes.

• Public hearing on jurisdictional transfer of North and South Frontage Road along CSAH 61 and Old Highway 61
• Resolution to revoke county road status for North Frontage Road (approx. 2640 feet) and South Frontage Road (approx. 2200 feet)
• County to receive jurisdiction of Erickson Road (from St. Louis River Road to CSAH 2) as County Road 150
• Transfer agreements with Thomson Township and City of Cloquet
• Roads transferred in existing condition

Planning Commission

The September 2, 2026 Planning Commission meeting is canceled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting canceled

Board of Adjustment

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing to consider Interim Ordinance #42, which would impose a one-year pause on new or expanded data centers in the county. The pause is intended to allow time for studying data center impacts and completing the county's comprehensive land use planning process. The board will hear public comment and then may vote on the ordinance.

• Public hearing on Interim Ordinance #42 to pause data center creation or expansion for one year
• Moratorium applies to pending or future zoning applications for data centers
• Planning Commission directed to study data center regulations and report to County Board by February 2027
• Existing data centers cannot be expanded during the pause
• Hearing held at Carlton County Transportation Building, 1630 County Road 61, Carlton

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider adopting Interim Ordinance #42 regarding data centers. The board will also review the 2027 budget for Public Health & Human Services, which includes updates on staffing, state funding changes, and new legislative requirements. The agenda includes consent items, a closed session on a Teamsters tentative agreement, and a reminder of a future public hearing on road jurisdiction.

• Public hearing and consideration of Interim Ordinance #42 on data centers
• 2027 PHHS budget: no new staffing requests; projected SNAP cost share increase of $253,894 after one-time allocation
• Projected $120,000 decrease in MNCHOICES reimbursement due to flat-rate transition
• Potential $185,000 county cost share if disability waiver backstop triggers
• Closed session to discuss Teamsters tentative agreement

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals will hold public hearings to consider variance requests. The board will also review and approve meeting minutes from July 21, 2026.

• Public hearing for VAR-2026-013 (Brandon Small)
• Public hearing for VAR-2026-014 (Joel Dostert)
• Public hearing for VAR-2026-015 (Minnesota Power)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular session on August 11, 2026, addressing a consent agenda, a conditional use permit for a gym, a MnDOT agreement, and a closed litigation session. The board will also review a proposal to sell 20 surplus shotguns and approve July claims over $2,000.

• Conditional Use Permit CUP-2026-010 for VETCON LLC to operate a gym at 4334 Old County Road 8, Moose Lake (R-1 zoning, Shoreland Overlay)
• Sale of 20 Remington 870 shotguns to Streichers Police Equipment for $3,000 trade credit toward 40mm less-lethal launchers (quote $26,013.00)
• Enter into Agreement 1063521 with MnDOT
• Approve Engagement Arrangement Cost Allocation Plan 2026-2030
• July claims over $2,000 totaling $18,204,665.22

The Carlton County Board approved the consent agenda, including $18,204,665.22 in July claims, and the regular agenda. Two conditional use permits were approved: one for a gym in Moose Lake Township and one for a resort/campground in Moose Lake Township. The board also approved a tax-forfeited land sale, a bridge construction grant, a cost allocation plan contract, and a lawful gambling permit.

• Approved consent agenda including $18,204,665.22 in July claims (all yea votes)
• Approved CUP 2026-010 for VETCON LLC gym at 4334 Old County Road 8, Moose Lake (all yea votes)
• Approved CUP 2026-011 for Thomas Paull resort/campground at 4118 County Road 8, Moose Lake (all yea votes)
• Approved tax-forfeited land sale via MNBid.mn.gov starting September 21, 2026 (all yea votes)
• Adopted resolution 26-052 accepting $169,917.81 bridge grant for Bridge No. 09J53 (all yea votes, Proulx absent)
• Approved $6,000/year contract with Government Management Group for cost allocation plan (all yea votes)
• Adopted resolution 26-053 approving lawful gambling permit for Minnesota Deer Hunters-Quad Rivers Chapter (all yea votes, Proulx absent)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding two conditional/interim use permits. The body will also review meeting minutes from July 1, 2026.

• Public hearing for Conditional/Interim Use CUP-2026-010 (VETCON LLC)
• Public hearing for Conditional/Interim Use CUP-2026-011 (Thomas & Amanda Paull)

The Carlton County Planning Commission approved two conditional use permits (CUPs) on August 5, 2026. The first, CUP-2026-010, was for VETCON LLC, and the second, CUP-2026-011, was for Thomas and Amanda Paull. Both approvals were unanimous (6-0, with Lorrie Laurin absent). The commission also approved the minutes of the July 1, 2026 meeting and the meeting agenda. The meeting included a public hearing where residents raised concerns about noise, traffic, and property values for both applications.

• Approved findings of fact for VETCON LLC (CUP-2026-010) by unanimous vote.
• Approved conditional use permit for VETCON LLC (CUP-2026-010) by unanimous vote.
• Approved findings of fact for Thomas and Amanda Paull (CUP-2026-011) by unanimous vote.
• Approved conditional use permit for Thomas and Amanda Paull (CUP-2026-011) by unanimous vote.
• Approved minutes of the July 1, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote.
• Approved the meeting agenda by unanimous vote.
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:20 PM by unanimous vote.

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission are holding a joint special meeting to review the draft Vision Statement, Goals, and Preliminary Land Use Plan for the Carlton County 2050 Comprehensive Plan. These documents establish long-term priorities for land use, housing, and economic development.

• Review of Draft Vision Statement for Carlton County 2050 Comprehensive Plan
• Discussion of long-range goals for land use, housing, economic development, and agriculture
• Review of Preliminary Land Use Plan featuring ten land use designations
• Discussion of infrastructure capacities including water, wastewater, and fiber-optic broadband
• Analysis of development corridors including Interstate 35

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners held a special joint session with the Planning Commission to receive a presentation from Houseal Lavigne on the Draft Vision Statement, Goals, and Preliminary Land Use Plan for the Carlton County 2050 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. No formal decisions were made regarding the plan; the board only approved the agenda and adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (all yeas)
• Adjourned meeting (all yeas)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear budget presentations from the Sheriff’s Office, Recorder, and EMS, and receive updates on economic development, transportation, and a land-use plan. The meeting is procedural with no formal decisions listed.

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review budget presentations from the Land Department and Veterans Services Office. The Land Department proposes a 2027 overall budget of $715,000 with no impact on the county levy.

• Approval of Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Information Security Risk Management Policy
• Change order for existing contract with BPBuilders
• Review of Land Department 2027 proposed budget of $715,000
• Discussion of Enbridge DOR Dispute Op-Ed
• Closed session regarding union negotiations

The Carlton County Board approved the consent agenda including $10,646,655.21 in June claims, accepted a $10,000 child care grant and a $98,595 homeland security grant, and approved a service contract with Paramount Planning Group. The board also adopted resolutions accepting a completed road project and requesting state revenue sharing for deputy registrars, approved a technology policy, and approved a $237,701.50 change order for courthouse roofing.

• Approved consent agenda including $10,646,655.21 in June claims (all yea)
• Accepted $10,000 Northland Foundation child care provider grant (all yea)
• Accepted $98,595 State Homeland Security Program grant (all yea)
• Approved $98,595 service contract with Paramount Planning Group for AREMA Region 2 (all yea)
• Adopted resolution 26-050 accepting completed road project and authorizing $3,214.96 final payment to Landwehr Construction (all yea)
• Approved Technology Acceptable Use and Information Security Risk Management Policy (all yea)
• Approved letter to Enbridge and MN Dept. of Revenue on pipeline valuations (all yea)
• Adopted resolution 26-051 requesting state revenue sharing for deputy registrars (all yea)

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment is holding public hearings on three variance applications (VAR-2026-010, VAR-2026-011, VAR-2026-012) from Raymond and Teri Pender, Simich Trust Agreement, and Scott and Betty Lingren. The board will also vote to approve minutes from the June 16 meeting. No other business is listed.

• Public hearing on VAR-2026-010 (Raymond and Teri Pender)
• Public hearing on VAR-2026-011 (Simich Trust Agreement)
• Public hearing on VAR-2026-012 (Scott and Betty Lingren)
• Approval of meeting minutes from June 16, 2026

The Board of Adjustment approved variance requests for Raymond and Teri Pender, the Simich Trust Agreement, and Scott and Betty Lingren. Each request included the approval of corresponding findings of fact. All three variances were approved with conditions.

• Approved findings of fact and variance with conditions for VAR-2026-010 (Raymond and Teri Pender) (4-0)
• Approved findings of fact and variance with conditions for VAR-2026-011 (Simich Trust Agreement) (4-0)
• Approved findings of fact and variance with conditions for VAR-2026-012 (Scott and Betty Lingren) (4-0)
• Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The board will vote on a $46,000 feasibility study for rebuilding the existing transfer station, and consider a $10,000 funding request for a State of the County event. Also on the agenda are a rezoning, three conditional use permits, a public hearing for a data center study, and several contract awards including electronics recycling and a plow truck.

• Schedule public hearing for Interim Ordinance Data Center Study
• Award $46,000 contract to Burns & McDonnell for Transfer Station Existing Site Implementation Feasibility Study
• Approve $10,000 for State of the County event co-hosted with Chambers of Commerce
• Rezoning REZ-2026-006 for Daniel Woodhull
• Conditional Use Permits for Georgia Korsah (CUP-2026-008) and Billijo Peterson (CUP-2026-009)

The Board approved several zoning requests, including a resort and a commercial kennel. It awarded contracts for bridge construction, electronics recycling, and a law librarian. A public hearing regarding a potential interim ordinance on data centers was scheduled for August 24, 2026.

• Awarded $349,738.20 bridge contract on CSAH 61 to Veit & Company, Inc.
• Scheduled public hearing on data center interim ordinance for August 24, 2026
• Approved rezoning of 4543 Highway 23 to Agriculture/Rural Residential
• Approved CUP for Georgia Korsah to operate a resort at 4030 North Road
• Approved CUP for BilliJo Peterson to operate a commercial kennel at 2719 Erickson Road
• Awarded electronics recycling contract to TRC, The Retrofit Companies
• Approved $60,000 purchase of a plow truck for the Zoning Department
• Approved $46,000 Transfer Station study with Burns & McDonnell

Committee of the Whole

The Carlton County Committee of the Whole will discuss a data center proposal with the Land Stewards, consider approving an Information Security Risk Management Policy and a Technology Acceptable Use Policy, and review a request to adopt GFOA best practices budgeting. The board will also receive updates on economic development including the Carlton School Acquisition, transportation, and zoning comprehensive plan and transfer station planning.

• Carlton County Land Stewards – Data Center Discussion
• Approve Information Security Risk Management Policy
• Approve Technology Acceptable Use Policy
• Request to formally adopt GFOA best practices budgeting process
• Carlton School Acquisition update

The Carlton County Committee of the Whole approved an interim use ordinance for data centers, following a presentation from the Carlton County Land Stewards. The board also approved several policies, including an Information Security Risk Management Policy and a Technology Acceptable Use Policy, and authorized $10,000 for a State of the County event. Additionally, they approved $46,000 for further planning of the transfer station site and discussed commissioner NDAs, voting to follow AMC recommendations against signing them.

• Approved interim use ordinance for data centers (motion by Zmyslony, second by Berg)
• Approved Information Security Risk Management Policy (motion by Buytaert, second by Bodie)
• Approved Technology Acceptable Use Policy (motion by Buytaert, second by Bodie)
• Approved motion to not sign commissioner NDAs (motion by Buhs, second by Zmyslony)
• Authorized $10,000 for State of the County event (motion by Pervenanze, second by Buhs)
• Approved $46,000 for transfer station planning (motion by Berg, second by Reed)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding one rezoning request and two conditional/interim use requests. The body will also discuss data centers under old business.

• Rezoning Request REZ-2026-006 (Daniel and Tara Woodhull)
• Conditional/Interim Use CUP-2026-008 (Georgia Korsah)
• Conditional/Interim Use CUP-2026-009 (Billi Joan and Robert Peterson)
• Discussion on Data Centers

The Planning Commission approved a rezoning request from Daniel and Tara Woodhull (REZ-2026-006) and approved conditional use permits for Georgia Korsah (CUP-2026-008) and BilliJo and Robert Peterson, each with findings of fact. The meeting also included discussion on data centers and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, with an advisory committee meeting scheduled for August 5, 2026.

• Approved the minutes of the June 3, 2026 meeting.
• Approved the agenda as amended.
• Approved the rezoning request for Daniel and Tara Woodhull (REZ-2026-006).
• Approved findings of fact for Georgia Korsah's conditional use permit (CUP-2026-008).
• Approved the conditional use permit for Georgia Korsah (CUP-2026-008) as amended.
• Approved findings of fact for BilliJo and Robert Peterson's conditional use permit.
• Approved the conditional use permit for BilliJo and Robert Peterson as amended.
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:57 PM.

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider an off‑sale liquor license for Elmwood Inn in Atkinson Township. The agenda includes a presentation of Minnesota Statute 340.405 and a resolution from the Atkinson Town Board supporting issuance of on‑sale, off‑sale, and Sunday‑sale licenses. Residents may comment, and written comments will be acknowledged before the board adjourns.

• Public hearing regarding off‑sale liquor license for Elmwood Inn
• Presentation of liquor license requirements under Minnesota Statute 340.405
• Atkinson Township resolution supporting on‑sale, off‑sale, and Sunday‑sale licenses for Elmwood Inn
• Public comment by Elmwood Inn owner Cindy Bonneville
• Acknowledgment of written comments

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the Elmwood Inn off-sale liquor license, then consider approving a $27,000 Individual Sewage Treatment System loan to Todd & Nadine Hietala for a failing septic system in Atkinson Township. Other items include a resolution supporting the Minnesota DNR's sale of a riparian parcel, approval of an agricultural lease for $55 per year, and notification of confessed judgments for delinquent taxes.

• Public hearing for Elmwood Inn off-sale liquor license
• ISTS loan of $27,000 to Todd & Nadine Hietala for septic repair (PID 33-030-0140 in Atkinson Township)
• Resolution supporting DNR sale of parcel ID 39-020-0852
• Approve agricultural lease to Bruce & Julie Kovaner for $55/year (parcel 33-016-8660)
• Notification of confession of judgment for delinquent real estate taxes (14 properties listed)

The Board approved a fiscal agency agreement for the 1st Street construction project in Moose Lake. Additional actions included approving an off-sale liquor license, an agricultural lease, and a public hearing regarding Thomson Township roadways.

• Approved June 9 and June 15 meeting minutes
• Approved $27,000.00 Individual Septic Treatment System Loan for Atkinson Township properties
• Supported DNR sale of PID 39-020-0852 (4-1)
• Approved agricultural lease for PID 33-016-8660 at $55.00 annual fee
• Scheduled public hearing for September 1, 2026, regarding Thomson Township roadways
• Approved fiscal agency agreement for Moose Lake 1st Street LRIP project
• Approved tax abatement for PID 39-045-0320 and 39-045-0330
• Approved contract amendment for pollinator garden location

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two variance applications (VAR-2026-008 and VAR-2026-009) from Mark Henschel and Brett Paige. No other business is scheduled.

• VAR-2026-008 – Mark Henschel
• VAR-2026-009 – Brett Paige

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance for Mark Henschel and a variance with conditions for Betty Skelton. The meeting included public hearings for both requests before the board moved to final decisions.

• Approved May 19, 2026 minutes as amended
• Approved findings of fact for Mark Henschel (VAR-2026-008)
• Approved variance for Mark Henschel (VAR-2026-008)
• Approved findings of fact for Betty Skelton (VAR-2026-009)
• Approved variance with conditions for Betty Skelton (VAR-2026-009)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss several conditional use permits and a rezoning request on Cologne Road. The meeting includes a report from the DNR regarding $651,891.19 in Payments in Lieu of Taxes and a request for a deputy's out-of-state training travel.

• Rezoning REZ-2026-005 for Cologne Road
• CUP-2026-007 for Automba Cannabis Business
• CUP-2026-005 for Holyoke Communication Tower
• Renewal of liquor licenses for 15 businesses, including Kwik Trip #571 and Mahtowa Tavern
• Awarding of Contract 009-625-003

The Board approved several land use requests including a communications tower, a home salon, and a cannabis mezzo business. Additionally, the Board authorized watershed implementation funding and awarded multiple construction contracts.

• Approved 2026 County Boat and Water Safety Grant for $6,760 (unanimous)
• Awarded recycling shed contract to Anngus Construction for $36,750.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Kettle/Upper St. Croix Comprehensive Watershed Plan budget of $1,420,116 (unanimous)
• Approved communications tower CUP for Michael Rodeghiero in Holyoke Township (unanimous)
• Adopted findings of fact for Michael Rodeghiero's communication tower (unanimous)
• Approved Minnesota Power essential services permit for Mahtowa Township substation (unanimous)
• Approved home-based salon CUP for Jessica Svacina in Barnum Township (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning request for Ryan Haluptzok in Twin Lakes Township (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for Jessica Svacina, a rezoning for Ryan Haluptzok, and a conditional use permit for Pasture Holdings LLC and Sonadores Holdings LLC. It will also consider a new business item: an Essential Services Permit from Minnesota Power for the Mahtowa Substation Expansion at 3193 Boundary Road, Mahtowa. Old business includes discussion of Interim Ordinance #41 regarding data centers.

• Minnesota Power Essential Services Permit for Mahtowa Substation Expansion at 3193 Boundary Road
• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Jessica Svacina (CUP-2026-006)
• Public hearing: Rezoning for Ryan Haluptzok (REZ-2026-005)
• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Pasture Holdings LLC and Sonadores Holdings LLC (CUP-2026-007)
• Old business: Interim Ordinance #41 on Data Centers

The commission approved an essential services permit for a Minnesota Power substation expansion. Additionally, the board approved conditional use permits for Jessica Svacina and Pasture Holdings LLC/Sonadores Holdings LLC, while denying a rezoning request from Ryan Haluptzok.

• Approved May 6, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved June 3, 2026 agenda (7-0)
• Recommended approval of Minnesota Power essential services permit for Mahtowa substation expansion (7-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for Jessica Svacina (7-0)
• Denied rezoning request for Ryan Haluptzok (7-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for Pasture Holdings LLC/Sonadores Holdings LLC as amended (7-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing to consider an amendment to Interim Ordinance #41, which currently imposes a moratorium on green burial cemeteries and natural organic reduction facilities. The hearing includes a presentation by the Zoning Administrator and an opportunity for public comment. No decision is made at this hearing; it is for gathering input.

• Amendment of Interim Ordinance #41
• Moratorium on green burial cemeteries
• Moratorium on natural organic reduction facilities
• Public hearing and comment period

County Board of Commissioners

The board will vote on the consent agenda, which includes a $43,041 HUD grant to support unhoused outreach and youth services, annual renewal of solid waste hauler and facility licenses, and a one-year extension of the recycling shed contract with Cloquet Riverside Recycling. Regular agenda items include authorizing bids for electronics and scrap metal recycling, adopting an amended solid waste management plan, and setting a June 2 public hearing on a moratorium for green burial cemeteries and natural organic reduction facilities. A closed session under attorney-client privilege is also scheduled.

• Permission to apply for $43,041 Northeast Unsheltered Outreach Grant (HUD) to fund unhoused services and the YES Program
• Annual renewal of solid waste hauler licenses for A-1 Disposal, Cloquet Sanitary Service, Waste Management, and others
• Contract extension with Cloquet Riverside Recycling for collection at staffed and unstaffed drop-off centers
• Public hearing set for June 2, 2026 on Ordinance #41 Green Burial Cemetery and Natural Organic Reduction Facility Moratorium
• Closed session per MS 13D.05 Subd. 3b for attorney-client privileged discussion

The commissioners approved the regional solid waste management plan and supporting documents. They also approved several contracts and loans, scheduled a public hearing on a liquor license, and set the budget meeting calendar. All motions were carried by unanimous yea votes.

• Approved Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (resolution 26-038) (unanimous)
• Approved contract extension with Cloquet Riverside Recycling ($5,500/month) (unanimous)
• Awarded scrap metal recycling contract to Anderson Recycling, LLC ($20/ton) (unanimous)
• Approved posting bid notice for electronics recycling contract (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing on Elmwood Inn off‑sale liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved $450,000 loan to Laveau Butcher Company (20‑year, 4% interest) (unanimous)
• Approved $83,400 loan to City of Kettle River for demolition (20‑year, 0% interest) (unanimous)
• Approved budget meeting schedule for 2026 (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two variance applications: VAR-2026-006 by Steven and Christine Wipson, and VAR-2026-007 by Butterfield Trust. The board may also approve April meeting minutes and take action on the variances.

• Public hearing on variance VAR-2026-006 (Steven and Christine Wipson)
• Public hearing on variance VAR-2026-007 (Butterfield Trust)
• Approval of April 21, 2026 meeting minutes
• Legal ad publication proof (Star Gazette and Pine Knot News)

The Board of Adjustment approved the findings of fact and granted a variance (VAR‑2026‑006) to Steven and Christine Wipson, subject to conditions. The Butterfield Trust application (VAR‑2026‑007) was forfeited because the applicant did not inform the department of an inability to attend. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved findings of fact for VAR‑2026‑006 (vote outcome not recorded)
• Approved VAR‑2026‑006 variance with conditions (vote outcome not recorded)
• Application VAR‑2026‑007 forfeited due to applicant’s failure to attend

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board will consider several consent items and public agenda topics. A key action is the approval of a Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant Contract for $6,432 to the County Sheriff’s Office. The board will also review rezoning applications, a land sale, and a forgivable loan to the City of Kettle River.

• Approve Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant Contract – $6,432 to the Sheriff's Office
• Rezoning request – Victoria & Bernhardt Heintzman (REZ-2026-004)
• Conditional/Interim Use approvals for Ulland Brothers Inc., Heidi Peura Trust, Michael Rodeghiero
• Approve June 24, 2026 tax‑forfeited land sale
• Approve City of Kettle River forgivable loan

The commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and rezone the property at 3557 County Road 143, Barnum, from the A‑1 Agriculture/Forest Management district to the A‑2 Agriculture/Rural Residential district. They also approved several other items, including grant authorizations, a public hearing schedule, and the sale of tax‑forfeited parcels via online auction.

• Approved rezoning of 3557 County Road 143 (A‑1 to A‑2) (unanimous)
• Approved Operation Stonegarden Grant amendment to $135,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $6,432 Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Equipment Grant (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 Federal Boating Safety Supplemental Patrol Grant (unanimous)
• Approved contract change order for Justice Center solar project, new sum $5,731,773 (unanimous)
• Approved $41,000 Nemadji River watershed septic‑system grant (unanimous)
• Approved sale of 202 tax‑forfeited parcels via online auction starting June 24, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved support for $250,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant application (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on one rezoning application and three conditional/interim use permit requests. Old business includes discussion of Interim Ordinance #41. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a legal ad statement regarding public notices.

• Rezoning application by Victoria & Bernhardt Heintzman (REZ-2026-004)
• Conditional/Interim Use application by Ulland Brothers Inc. (CUP-2026-003)
• Conditional/Interim Use application by Heidi Peura Trust (CUP-2026-004)
• Conditional/Interim Use application by Michael Rodeghiero (CUP-2026-005)
• Old business: Interim Ordinance #41

The commission approved the rezoning application (REZ‑2026‑004) with a unanimous 7‑yes vote. It also approved findings of fact for three conditional‑use requests and approved interim use permits (IUP) for two of them, while denying the IUP for the Michael Rodeghiero request. No other motions were adopted.

• Approved rezoning REZ‑2026‑004 (7‑yes vote)
• Approved findings of fact for Ulland Brothers Inc. CUP‑2026‑003 (7‑yes vote)
• Approved IUP for Ulland Brothers Inc. CUP‑2026‑003 (7‑yes vote)
• Approved findings of fact for Heidi Peura Trust CUP‑2026‑004 (7‑yes vote)
• Approved IUP for Heidi Peura Trust CUP‑2026‑004 (7‑yes vote)
• Approved findings of fact for Michael Rodeghiero CUP‑2026‑005 (7‑yes vote)
• Denied IUP for Michael Rodeghiero CUP‑2026‑005 (7‑yes vote)
• Adopted agenda for future discussion of data centers (no vote recorded)

Committee of the Whole

The Carlton County Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss interim zoning ordinance #41 and a comprehensive plan update. The agenda also includes a discussion on the location and frequency of future Committee of the Whole meetings.

• Interim Ordinance #41 (Zoning)
• Comprehensive Plan update
• Discuss location, frequency, and use of the Committee of the Whole
• Sheriff’s Office Temp Emergency Hire
• Mental Health Awareness presentation

The Committee of the Whole approved a motion to support a forgivable loan to the City of Kettle River for removing a dangerously deteriorating building, with conditions including city ownership before funds are issued. The committee also approved a contract change order for the McKinstry solar project, a temporary emergency hire for the Sheriff's Office, and scheduling a public hearing on extending the green cemetery moratorium. All items are recommendations to the regular board unless noted otherwise.

• Approved motion to support forgivable loan to City of Kettle River for building removal (motion by Zmyslony, seconded by Reed)
• Approved McKinstry contract change order for solar project, to move to regular board for approval (motion by Buhs, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved Sheriff's Office temp emergency hire for data scrub, budget neutral (motion by Zmyslony, seconded by Buhs)
• Approved public hearing on June 2, 2026 for one-year extension of green cemetery moratorium (motion by Berg, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved agenda and April 7, 2026 minutes (procedural)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners meets in adjourned session to consider a consent agenda and regular agenda items. Consent items include accepting a $500 donation for the Sheriff's Office K-9 program, proclaiming May as Mental Health Month, and approving a gambling permit for Lakehead Harvest Reunion. Regular agenda items include the sale of county parcels, an airport property lease, an abatement, and a contract for attorney appointment. No details are provided for most regular agenda items.

• Accept $500 donation for Sheriff's Office K-9 program
• Proclaim May 2026 as Mental Health Month
• Approve gambling permit (raffle) for Lakehead Harvest Reunion
• Consider sale of unspecified county parcels
• Consider contract for attorney appointment

The Carlton County Board approved several resolutions, including accepting a $500 donation for the Sheriff’s K9 program, approving a lawful gambling permit for Lakehead Harvest Reunion, selling three tax‑forfeited parcels for $7,500, leasing airport premises to US Solar Development for a solar farm, granting a tax abatement, and hiring a $3,200‑per‑month contract for child‑protection services. All motions passed with unanimous yea votes.

• Approved $500 donation to Sheriff’s Office K9 Program (unanimous)
• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Lakehead Harvest Reunion (unanimous)
• Approved sale of three tax‑forfeited parcels to Dorin Langley for $7,500 total (unanimous)
• Authorized lease of Moose Lake Carlton County Airport premises to US Solar Development, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for parcel PID 66-016-4095 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Bill Thompson at $3,200 per month for child‑protection services (unanimous)
• Approved Commissioner Zmyslony as second representative on Arrowhead Counties Association (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:14 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment & Appeals will hold public hearings on three variance applications: VAR-2026-003 (Andrew Omar), VAR-2026-004 (Thomas Luke), and VAR-2026-005 (Scott and Betty Lingren). The meeting also includes approval of the February 17, 2026 minutes and noting of legal ad publications.

• Public hearing for VAR-2026-003 – Andrew Omar
• Public hearing for VAR-2026-004 – Thomas Luke
• Public hearing for VAR-2026-005 – Scott and Betty Lingren
• Approval of February 17, 2026 meeting minutes
• Legal ads published in Star Gazette and Pine Knot News on April 10, 2026

The Board of Adjustment conducted a public hearing on three variance requests (VAR‑2026‑003, VAR‑2026‑004, VAR‑2026‑005). Motions to approve findings of fact for each application were made and voted on. The minutes do not provide clear vote tallies or final approval/denial outcomes for the variances.

• Held public hearing for VAR‑2026‑003, VAR‑2026‑004, and VAR‑2026‑005
• Motion to approve findings of fact for VAR‑2026‑003 was taken
• Motion to approve findings of fact for VAR‑2026‑004 was taken
• Motion to approve findings of fact for VAR‑2026‑005 was taken

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will consider the consent agenda, which includes routine approvals such as minutes and loan allocations. A key item is the approval of a Minnesota Lawful Gambling Premises Permit for the Irving Community Association to operate pull‑tabs, bar bingo, tipboards and paddlewheel games at the Elmwood Inn, with a $150 non‑refundable annual fee. The board will also discuss a scrap‑metal transportation contract, a gravel pit lease, a five‑year construction program for county roads, and terms for a May 15, 2026 timber auction.

• Approve gambling permit for Irving Community Association (annual fee $150, non‑refundable)
• Consider bidding contract for scrap metal transportation and recycling
• Consider gravel pit lease
• Consider five‑year construction program for county roads
• Review terms and conditions for May 15, 2026 timber auction

The Carlton County Board unanimously approved a $600,000 zero‑interest loan to Wrenshall for water and sewer pre‑engineering, a $300,000 loan to LFD Holdings at 4% interest, and assigned $695,110 of surplus funds to future capital projects. It also approved $50,000 matching funds for SCI Broadband, increased the maximum Individual Sewage Treatment Systems loan to $50,000, renewed the joint powers agreement with WLSSD, and proclaimed National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

• Approved $600,000 0% interest loan to City of Wrenshall for water/sewer pre‑engineering (carried by all yea votes)
• Approved $300,000 loan to LFD Holdings, LLC dba Edward Jones at 4% interest, 20‑year term (carried by all yea votes)
• Assigned $695,110 surplus funds from the County Transfer Station to future capital projects (carried by all yea votes)
• Approved $50,000 matching funds for SCI Broadband fiber hookups (carried by all yea votes)
• Amended ISTS loan maximum to $50,000, interest unchanged at 5% (carried by all yea votes)
• Renewed Joint Powers Agreement with Western Lake Superior Sanitary District through June 30, 2036 (carried by all yea votes)
• Approved proclamation declaring April 12‑18, 2026 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (carried by all yea votes)
• Set County Timber Auction for May 15, 2026 and approved list of timber tracts (carried by all yea votes)

Committee of the Whole

The Carlton County Committee of the Whole will vote on a $600,000 0% interest loan to the City of Wrenshall for pre‑engineering work on water and sewer upgrades. It will also consider ISTS County loans up to $20,000 per applicant, the purchase of Knowink electronic poll pads at $2,000‑$2,500 each, and adoption of revised EDA loan policy and guidelines. Additional updates will be given on zoning revenue, the WLSSD joint powers agreement, and departmental staffing and transportation matters.

• ISTS County Loans: up to $20,000 per applicant, 5% interest, 10‑year repayment
• Election Poll Pads: initial purchase $2,000‑$2,500 each with $200‑$250 annual license
• Wrenshall/County Loan for Engineering: $600,000 zero‑interest loan for water‑sewer upgrades
• EDA Loan Policy/Guidelines: board action to approve updated loan procedures and bylaws
• 2025 Transfer Station Revenue: item listed under Zoning agenda

The Committee of the Whole approved several financial actions, including a $300,000 loan to L.F.D. LLC for an Edward Jones building, a loan to the City of Wrenshall for sewer and water upgrades, and the use of state affordable housing funds for the Barnum project. It also approved the purchase of election poll pads costing about $50,000 in the first year and rolled over 2025 transfer‑station revenue. The WLSSD Joint Powers Agreement was renewed and the sheriff’s office reported it is now fully staffed.

• Approved $300,000 loan to L.F.D. LLC for Edward Jones building construction
• Approved loan to City of Wrenshall for sewer and water infrastructure upgrades
• Approved EDA revolving loan fund policy
• Approved use of state affordable housing funds for the Barnum housing project
• Approved purchase of election poll pads (~$50K first‑year cost)
• Approved rollover of 2025 transfer‑station revenue
• Approved renewal of WLSSD Joint Powers Agreement
• Approved motion to schedule next regular meeting for May 5, 2026

Planning Commission

The April 1, 2026 Planning Commission meeting is canceled. The agenda contains only this cancellation notice.

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board will vote on its consent agenda and approve the regular agenda. It will consider a $2,467.17 polling place accessibility grant, authorize the County Auditor/Treasurer as the Identified Official for Minnesota Department of Education access, and receive information about a new national opioid settlement that requires a participation form by May 4, 2026.

• Accept $2,467.17 polling place accessibility grant for signage
• Annual authorization designating County Auditor/Treasurer as Identified Official with Authority for education system access
• Information on participation in the new national opioid settlement (deadline May 4, 2026)
• Amended agreement for the Wright Recycling Shed
• Sale of 2025 tax-forfeit parcels

The commissioners unanimously approved a $1,860,000 transfer from the County General Fund to the Economic Development Fund. They also adopted a resolution supporting Minnesota’s multistate opioid settlement agreements. Additional actions included appointing a new Recorder, approving a recycling‑facility agreement with the City of Wright, and approving several leases and grant applications.

• Approved $1,860,000 fund balance transfer to Economic Development Fund (5‑0 yea)
• Adopted resolution supporting Minnesota opioid settlement and future agreements (5‑0 yea)
• Designated County Auditor/Treasurer Kevin DeVriendt as Identified Official with Authority for EDIAM (5‑0 yea)
• Appointed Bryon Blair as County Recorder and Registrar of Titles (5‑0 yea)
• Approved amended agreement with City of Wright for unstaffed recycling facility (5‑0 yea)
• Approved lease of former Law Enforcement Center space to Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency and JET at $20 per square foot (5‑0 yea)
• Approved Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention federal grant application (5‑0 yea)
• Amended loan agreement to BP Builders LLC for $625,000 at 4% interest, 20‑year payback (4‑1 yea, 1 abstain)

Board of Adjustment

The March 17, 2026, meeting of the Carlton County Board of Adjustment is canceled. The office manager sent a notice stating the meeting will not take place.

• Meeting canceled for March 17, 2026