Cass County public meetings in 2023

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2024 property tax levy, revenues, and expenditures. The meeting includes discussions on elected official compensation, election funding, and various service agreements.

• 2024 Property Tax Levy By Fund
• Establish 2024 Elected Official Compensation
• Approve VOTER Funding Agreement With Municipalities
• Approve Soo Line Pavilion In Slater Township
• Approve County Road 151 Traffic Investigation Study By MnDOT

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will consider several conditional use permits and variances. Key items include a proposed granite quarry, a communications tower, and various shoreline construction projects.

• Proposed granite quarry on 39.21 acres in Becker Township
• Proposed 304-foot lattice communications tower at 7800 24th St SW
• Expansion of a resort at 5068 State 87 SW to add 9 RV sites and 2 camper cabins
• Expansion of Mount Ski Gull to include a new run and movement of over 1,000 cubic yards of earth
• Reclassification of 6.6 acres from Shoreland Residential to Water-Oriented Commercial in Pine River Township

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a Truth-in-Taxation public hearing on the 2024 budget, levy, and fees, and will consider scheduling adoption for December 19. The board will also act on a revolving loan fund application from Gamechangers, approve final payments on two highway contracts, and review the Longville Area Subordinate Service District's third-quarter report. A consent agenda includes personnel items, licenses, grants, and various contracts.

• Truth-in-Taxation hearing for 2024 budget and fees
• Approve Cass County EDC revolving loan fund application from Gamechangers
• Approve final payment on Contract 67007 and Contract 67010
• Approve 2024 Dog Hearing Officer Contract
• Approve notice of intent to separate from MN Merit System

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District will review several cost share applications for shoreland conservation and habitat planting. The board will also consider a services agreement with Houston Engineering for strategic planning and a grant for starry stonewort control at Bowen Lake.

• Review and approve Houston Engineering Services Agreement for Cass SWCD Strategic Planning
• Review and approve AIS Control Grant for Bowen Lake Starry Stonewort
• Payment of Hubbard Invoice 111426 for $18,251.88 from Leech Lake River WBIF Phase 2 Funding
• Review of cost share applications for Gormley, Wagner, Christenhovn, Carey, and Swanson
• Approval of $2,000 payment to Crow Wing SWCD for Easement 11-01-22-21

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will review 2024 fee schedule updates and several highway department items. The meeting includes discussions on a new Hackensack facility design contract and various administrative approvals.

• 2024 Fee Schedule Updates
• Design contract with Widseth for new Hackensack facility
• Highway Right of Way Plat No. 6 - CR 116
• LRIP application for CR 167
• Hosting agreement with Minnesota Counties Information Systems (MCIS)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will consider a request to reclassify 20 acres of land in Byron Township. The body will also review variance applications for boathouse and building setbacks and a conditional use permit for a family compound.

• Reclassification of 20 acres from Agricultural/Forestry to Rural Residential 20 (RR-20) for Jennifer Baumgartner in Byron Township
• Variance for Joseph Goering to reconstruct and expand a boathouse at a 22-foot setback from Thunder Lake
• Variance for Christopher Nutting to construct a 30’ X 48’ pole barn at an 8-foot setback from a Township Road ROW
• After-The-Fact variance for Donovan Saba for a mud room, screen porch, and roofline change at 374 Roosevelt Shores Drive NE
• Conditional Use Permit for Hamilton Lake Holdings to establish a family compound at 5495 County 50 NW

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 2023-01, which regulates the use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products. The board will also consider several agreements, including a jail housing agreement with Itasca County and a traffic study with MnDOT. A large consent agenda covers routine approvals like personnel items, licenses, and contracts.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance 2023-01 regulating cannabis use
• Approve Itasca County Jail Facility Housing Agreement
• Approve CSAH 5 traffic investigation study by MnDOT
• Approve agreement with MnDOT for federal participation in County Road Safety Plan
• Receive and file notice of anticipated 2024 tip fee increase for solid waste haulers

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District is meeting to review reports from NRCS, BWSR, and the AIS program. Key decisions include approving a partnership agreement to replace the decontamination unit at Crooked Lake Township and funding up to $3,500 for Smart Salt training. The board will also review cost-share applications for well sealing and forest stewardship plans, as well as standard financial documents.

• Approval of Crooked Lake Township Decontamination Unit Replacement partnership agreement
• Approval of up to $3,500 from Mississippi Headwaters Watershed WBIG for Smart Salt training
• Review and approval of cost-share application for George Gibis well sealing (942-Well Sealing)
• Review of Wynn Neumann amendment to cost-share application
• Review of vouchers for approved cost-share applications including Lee Brown PFM

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will hold a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2023-01 regulating cannabis use in public places, and receive updates from the county administrator and citizens budget committee. The board will also consider several contracts and agreements, including a lease with Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center and an OSHA compliance consulting contract. A large consent agenda covers routine approvals such as minutes, warrants, personnel items, licenses, and various agreements.

• Public hearing and 1st reading of Ordinance 2023-01 regulating cannabis use in public places
• Approve Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center lease agreement
• Approve SafeAssure contract for OSHA compliance consulting
• Approve 2023 State PILT distribution
• Approve medical examiner contract for 2024

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on October 9, 2023, to consider one reclassification and 13 variance applications, mostly for shoreline and bluff setbacks on lakes. Field inspections were conducted on October 2, 2023. The agenda also includes approval of minutes and the agenda itself.

• Reclassification of 39.08 acres in Becker Township from Agricultural/Forestry to Rural Residential 2.5 and Rural Residential 20
• Variance for after-the-fact garage construction at 1.9-foot setback (required 10 feet) at 1288 127th Street SW, Sylvan Township
• Variance for garage at 22.5-foot bluff setback (required 30 feet) at 166 Island View Lane NE, Wabedo Township
• Variance for attached garage with living quarters within bluff impact zone on Long Lake at 2052 Fahrenholz Road NE, Kego Township
• Variance for boathouse reconstruction/expansion at 18 feet from OHWL (required 75 feet) on Woman Lake at 854 County 11 NW, Woodrow Township

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District board will review and approve cost-share applications for conservation practices, consider aquatic invasive species (AIS) funding requests, and discuss reports from partner agencies. The meeting includes routine consent agenda items like minutes and treasurer's report.

• Review cost-share applications for cover crops, pasture/hay planting, and forest stewardship plans
• Consider AIS fund requests from Leech Lake Chamber, Steamboat Lake Association, and Washburn Lake Association
• Review letter to Peterson LTD for 2022 audit
• Approve HR Green to conduct alternatives assessment for Cass Lake stormwater BMPs
• Review 2023 Chippewa NF RAC request for projects

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider hiring DDA Human Resources to recruit a Chief Financial Officer and approving a financial services agreement with Abdo Financial Solutions. They will also review a compensation study, a revolving loan fund policy, and a detention center healthcare contract, plus a consent agenda of routine items.

• Approve CFO recruitment proposal by DDA Human Resources, Inc.
• Approve agreement for financial services with Abdo Financial Solutions
• Approve 2023 DDA compensation study and market analysis
• Approve Cass County EDC revolving loan fund policy for community property development
• Approve detention center agreement with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc.

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on September 11, 2023, to consider 12 variance applications and 2 conditional use permit applications. The variances mostly involve shoreline property owners seeking to build or expand structures closer to lakes or within bluff impact zones than normally allowed. The conditional use permits are for a solid waste transfer facility and associated earth movement in Pine River Township.

• Variance for 40' x 30' garage at 3-foot setback from County Road ROW on Little Boy Lake (Bloch)
• After-the-fact variance for deck 94.7 feet from OHWL of Larson Lake (Bursch)
• After-the-fact variance for retaining wall and patio within bluff on Big Deep Lake (Dorfner)
• Conditional use permit for solid waste transfer facility at 2550 8th Street SW, Pine River Township (Reiner)
• Variance for 3,578 sq ft home rebuild 70 feet from OHWL of Upper Trelipie Lake (Lee)

The Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment reviewed three variance applications for residential structures near lakes. Two applications for garages and decks were approved, while one after-the-fact application for a deck was denied.

• Approved variance for 40’ X 30’ detached garage at 3-foot setback from County Road ROW (7-0)
• Denied after-the-fact variance for deck 94.7 feet from OHWL of Larson Lake (7-0)
• Approved after-the-fact variance for retaining wall, patio, and two deck additions at Big Deep Lake (7-0)
• Approved August 14, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved September 11, 2023 meeting agenda (7-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District will meet to review cost-share applications, approve payment vouchers, and receive reports from NRCS, BWSR, and AIS. The board will also consider MASWCD nominations and other administrative items.

• Review cost-share application CS416-23 for cover crops by Dustin Wiese
• Approve payment vouchers for Clayton Barg, Joe Norman, Jim Henkemeyer, Rick Musta, and Ed Pawlenty 5P Holdings
• Receive and file cancelled cost-share contract for Dustin Wiese
• Receive and file approved cost-share application CS411-23 for James Scearcy
• Receive and file MN DNR PFM Forest Stewardship Plan applications for Scott Watland 3WM LLC, Ron Bipsing, Catherine Nelson and John Jensen, and Rick Musta

The board approved a $1,940 cost share for cover crops and several payment vouchers for conservation projects. Members also nominated the Barg family for a state conservation award.

• Approved $1,940 cover crop cost share CS416-23 for Dustin Wiese (Unanimous)
• Nominated the Barg family for the MASWCD State Outstanding Conservationist Award (Unanimous)
• Approved payment voucher CS320-22 for Clayton Barg (Unanimous)
• Approved payment vouchers CS408-23 and CS409-23 for Joe Norman (Unanimous)
• Approved payment voucher CS364-22 for Jim Henkemeyer (Unanimous)
• Approved payment voucher CS410-23 for Rick Musta (Unanimous)
• Approved payment voucher CS406-23 for Ed Pawlenty 5P Holdings (Unanimous)
• Accepted cost share application CS411-23 for James Scearcy (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider the citizen budget committee's recommendations for the 2024 preliminary levy, review a proposed cannabis public use ordinance, and act on several administrative items including employee recognition policy changes and converting the elected county recorder to an appointed position. The board will also hold an executive session on labor negotiation strategy.

• Citizen Budget Committee recommendations for 2024 preliminary levy
• Review proposed Cass County Cannabis Public Use Ordinance
• Approve elected county recorder as appointed position
• Approve direct sale to Hiram Township
• Award Highway Department concrete bid

The Board adopted Resolution 44-23 to begin the process of changing the County Recorder from an elected to an appointed position. This follows the announced retirement of incumbent Kathryn Norby. The Board also approved an updated employee recognition policy.

• Adopted Resolution 44-23 to make County Recorder an appointed position (Unanimous)
• Approved updated Employee Recognition Policy (Unanimous)
• Approved Auditor Warrants totaling $2,313,857.95 across four dates (Unanimous)
• Approved HHVS Auditor Warrants totaling $425,403.35 (Unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Karen Goodenough to HHVS Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved $27,286.40 reimbursement for Deep Portage solar project (Unanimous)
• Approved McLaughlin Auctioneers, LLC to oversee 2023 surplus equipment auction (Unanimous)
• Awarded gravel delivery contracts to Ruyak Enterprises and Schrupp Excavating (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to decide on a class action grievance decision, receive a report from the ATV ordinance committee, consider a revolving loan fund request from the Cass County HRA, and approve an updated service agreement with the Soil and Water Conservation District. The consent agenda includes numerous routine approvals such as minutes, warrants, personnel items, licenses, and various agreements.

• Approve Step 3 hearing decision on class action grievance related to internal postings
• Report back from ATV ordinance committee
• Cass County HRA revolving loan fund request
• Approve updated service agreement with Cass Soil and Water Conservation District
• Approve law enforcement services agreement with Pillager School

The Board adopted Resolution 43-23 to provide a $15,960 local share for archaeological monitoring on the CSAH 70 project. The Board also approved a consent agenda covering various warrants, appointments, and grant activities. A grievance settlement regarding internal job postings was approved.

• Adopted Resolution 43-23 to provide $15,960 for Tribal Monitoring on CSAH 70 (4-0)
• Approved Auditor Warrants dated Aug 3, 2023, for $2,397,233.51 (4-0)
• Approved Auditor Warrants dated Jul 27, 2023, for $649,557.96 (4-0)
• Approved Auditor Manual Warrants dated Jul 2023 for $547,285.35 (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Karen Flier as Interim Auditor-Treasurer (4-0)
• Approved law enforcement services agreement with Pillager School not to exceed $61,628 (4-0)
• Approved Step 3 Hearing Decision for Class Action Grievance on internal postings (4-0)
• Approved $155,500 payment for 2nd Quarter Longville Ambulance Subordinate Service District (4-0)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on August 14, 2023, to consider a final plat, ten variance requests, six conditional use permits, and one continued hearing. Most items involve shoreline property modifications on area lakes, including structures, retaining walls, and earth movement. Field inspections were conducted on August 7-8, 2023.

• Final plat 'Bokelman Acres' for 3 residential lots on 251.12 acres in Moose Lake Township
• Variance for attached garage with living quarters within bluff impact zone on Long Lake (Casey)
• Variance for retaining wall and patio within bluff on Big Deep Lake (Dorfner)
• Conditional use permit for solid waste transfer facility on 39.63 acres in Pine River Township (Reiner)
• Conditional use permit for movement of 37,262 cubic yards of earthen material for storage rentals (Sellman)

The Planning Commission approved a final plat for Bokelman Acres to create three residential lots. Two variance applications for residential construction within bluff impact zones were tabled to allow for project reconfiguration.

• Approved Final Plat for 'Bokelman Acres' (7-0)
• Tabled variance for James Casey to construct attached garage and living quarters (7-0)
• Tabled after-the-fact variance for Jeffrey Dorfner regarding retaining wall, patio, and deck additions (7-0)
• Approved July 10, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved August 14, 2023 meeting agenda (7-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District will review and potentially approve several cost-share applications, contracts, and agreements, including a request for Eurasian watermilfoil treatment and multiple forest stewardship plans. The board will also discuss a joint powers agreement for a rock arch rapids project on the Boy River and consider authorizing staff to approve private forest management plans.

• Request for $10,960.00 for Eurasian watermilfoil treatment in Roosevelt Lake
• Joint Powers Agreement with State of Minnesota for rock arch rapids design on Boy River
• Cost-share applications for forest stewardship plans (e.g., Kevin Dietz $435, Lorri Henning $914.59, Jane and Mark Glazier $849.75)
• Cost-share applications for cover crops and hay/pasture planting (e.g., Jeremy Tulenchik $2,625, Joe Norman $6,584.16 and $3,125.39)
• Service agreement between Cass County and Cass SWCD

The board approved multiple cost-share applications for soil health and forestry, as well as a joint powers agreement for a rock arch rapids project on the Boy River. A request for $10,960 for watermilfoil treatment was denied. The board also authorized the Conservation Manager to approve certain private forest management applications.

• Approved Joint Powers Agreement for rock arch rapids on Boy River (Unanimous)
• Denied $10,960 request for Eurasian Watermilfoil treatment in Roosevelt Lake (Unanimous)
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with Itasca SWCD for Grand Rapids Watershed plan (Unanimous)
• Approved Service Agreement between County of Cass and Cass SWCD (Unanimous)
• Authorized Conservation Manager to approve PFM cost-share applications (Unanimous)
• Approved CS407-23 cover crops grant of $2,625.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved CS408-23 and CS409-23 hay and pasture grants totaling $9,709.55 (Unanimous)
• Approved payment voucher for CS401-23 of $429.75 (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider establishing committees to appoint a Chief Financial Officer and a County Recorder, and will vote on several highway contracts, including final payments and a new contract award. The agenda also includes a consent agenda with routine approvals, a life-saving award presentation, and an executive session for labor negotiation strategy.

• Establish committee to appoint Chief Financial Officer
• Establish committee to appoint County Recorder
• Approve final payment on Contract 80402
• Award Contract 20231
• Approve agreement with MN Dept. of Revenue for local transit sales tax collection

The Board approved a final payment of $2,411,226.23 for street and ADA improvements on CSAH 204 in the City of Hackensack. They also established committees to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer and County Recorder following resignation and retirement notices.

• Approved final payment of $2,411,226.23 for Contract 80402 (CSAH 204 in Hackensack) (Unanimous)
• Approved Stewardship Agreement with USDA Forest Service for roadway mowing (Unanimous)
• Established committee of Commissioners Peterson and Haaland to appoint Chief Financial Officer (Unanimous)
• Established committee of Commissioners Gaalswyk and Kangas to appoint County Recorder (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 41-23 for Northern Cass County Ducks Unlimited gambling license (Unanimous)
• Approved propane contract for 2023-2024 with Northdale Oil at $1.15/gallon (Unanimous)
• Awarded bud capping contract to Mustang Forestry at $79.00/acre (Unanimous)
• Approved Auditor warrants totaling $1,787,757.66 across three batches (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle a routine agenda, including a consent agenda with numerous administrative items. They will also hear reports from the county extension and MCIT, and confirm upcoming meeting dates. Most decisions are approvals of standard items like warrants, personnel changes, and contracts.

• Approve compensation study proposal from David Drown Associates, Inc.
• Approve agreement with Cass County Sheriff's Office
• Approve Arvig and Sam Hess easement requests
• Approve contract with Leech Lake Heritage Sites Program for CSAH 37
• Adopt resolution for MnDOT federal participation in construction engineering for CSAH 70

The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda featuring several million dollars in auditor warrants and federal payment-in-lieu distributions to townships. Other actions included approving a compensation study and a construction engineering agreement for the CSAH 70 project.

• Approved Auditor Warrants totaling $928,261.92 (Jun 29) and $218,859.68 (Jul 6)
• Approved Auditor ACH (P1 2023 Final Settlement) of $2,957,259.20
• Approved 2023 Federal Payment-In-Lieu distribution of $188,934 to townships and $440,841 for the county
• Adopted Resolution 39-23 for Construction Engineering on the CSAH 70 project (5-0)
• Approved compensation study and market analysis from David Drown Associates, Inc. not to exceed $17,850
• Approved $10,000 Sourcewell Community Match Funds application for new deputy firearms
• Approved $20 civil marriage officiant filing fee effective August 1, 2023
• Appointed Reno Wells to the Cass County Civil Service Commission through December 31, 2025

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on July 10, 2023, to review and decide on several land-use applications. These include a final plat for a residential subdivision, four variance requests for structures near water bodies, three conditional use permits (including a granite quarry and a harbor), and two continued hearings on reclassification and an RV park. Field inspections for these applications were conducted on July 3, 2023.

• Final plat 'Bokelman Acres' – 3 residential lots on 251.12 acres in Moose Lake Township
• Variance for Nathan Gill – 24'x24' addition, 82 ft from Blackwater Lake OHWL
• Variance for Tony Johnson – after-the-fact deck expansion and garage near Crow Wing River
• CUP for Brian Marquardt – move 500 cubic yards of earth for residential pad near Leech Lake
• CUP for Jeffrey Kobliska – granite quarry on 39.21 acres in Becker Township

The Planning Commission approved two variance requests for residential additions and a deck. A final plat application for Bokelman Acres was tabled.

• Approved variance for Nathan Gill to construct a 24’ X 24’ addition (7-0)
• Approved after-the-fact variance for Tony Johnson for a reconstructed deck and garage addition (7-0)
• Tabled final plat application for Bokelman Acres (7-0)
• Approved June 12, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved July 10, 2023 meeting agenda (7-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District will meet to approve consent agenda items, hear reports from NRCS, BWSR, and AIS staff, and review several cost-share applications for forest stewardship plans. The board will also discuss staffing, bank signers, credit card requests, and a funding increase for AIS signs.

• Review cost-share applications CS389-23 (Tom Lane, $375), CS394-23 (Harvey Britz), CS401-23 (Retta Freeman)
• Increased request of $194.61 for AIS kiosk signs from Roosevelt and Lawrence Area Lakes Association
• Discussion on adding Dana Gutzmann and Scott Wold as bank account signers
• Request for SWCD credit cards for Steve Henry and Dana Gutzmann
• Approval of consent agenda including June 2023 bank statement and payment vouchers

The board approved several cost-share applications for forest stewardship and stormwater control, including a significant grant for the City of Walker. Members also authorized the addition of a new staff conservation technician and approved various administrative updates.

• Approved $80,000 cost-share for City of Walker stormwater run-off and control (Unanimous)
• Approved 50% cost share for RALALA kiosk signs and 2023 delineation surveys (Unanimous)
• Approved adding a new staff conservation technician (Unanimous)
• Approved cost-share applications CS389-23 ($375), CS394-23 ($429.75), CS401-23 ($429.75), and CS392-23 ($5,801.40) (Unanimous)
• Approved payment vouchers for CS384-23 ($613.50), CS386-23 ($874.75), CS391-23 ($445.55), CS388-23 ($639.75), and CS361-22 ($9,335) (Unanimous)
• Approved amendment to CS361-22 for 67% of installation and first year establishment (Unanimous)
• Approved adding Dana Gutzmann and Scott Wold as bank account and check signers (Unanimous)
• Approved workplan changes recommended by the Mississippi River Headwaters Watershed Policy Committee (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss and potentially approve a range of items, including a law enforcement services agreement with Remer School, a direct sale of tax-forfeited land to Hiram Township, and contracts for cleaning county buildings. The agenda also includes a consent agenda with numerous routine approvals, such as warrants, personnel items, and agreements. Several reports and study results will be presented, including from the Deep Portage and Insurance committees.

• Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Remer School
• Hiram Township request for direct sale of tax forfeited land
• Approve HHVS and Highway Building cleaning contracts
• Results from nine-county construction and demolition study
• Approve Innovis Health, LLC agreement

The Board unanimously approved the use of insurance proceeds and committed $290,000 for window and exterior paint projects at Deep Portage. The Board also agreed to develop a 50-year lease agreement for the facility. Additionally, the consent agenda approved several warrants, licenses, and snowmobile project awards.

• Authorized insurance proceeds and committed $290,000 for Deep Portage capital projects (Unanimous)
• Approved development of a 50-year lease agreement for Deep Portage (Unanimous)
• Approved Auditor Warrants totaling $269,810.99, $4,230,503.23, $5,406,272.27, $177,424.51, $178,771.05, and $173,716.67 (Unanimous)
• Awarded $17,700 to Steinbrecher Painting Company for Pine River Post office repairs (Unanimous)
• Awarded Inguadona Reroute project to Ruyak Enterprises, Inc. not to exceed $13,175 (Unanimous)
• Awarded Thunder Lake Snowmobile Rehabilitation project to Ruyak Enterprises Inc. not to exceed $76,500 (Unanimous)
• Approved various tobacco, beer, and liquor licenses (Unanimous)
• Approved $25,228 for Dell Technologies server replacement (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider a consent agenda containing routine administrative items, including approval of minutes, warrants, personnel changes, licenses, and several grant-related actions. The agenda also includes awarding contracts and permits, and receiving reports on interest and workforce housing.

• Approve auditor warrants and HHVS warrants
• Approve licenses for tobacco, 3.2 beer, liquor, gambling, etc.
• Approve ARPA grant activity
• Award site preparation contract
• Authorize 25% fund use for Deep Portage

The Board unanimously voted to send the Travis Senenfelder Blue Water Resort reclassification request back to the planning commission for further consideration. The Board also approved several auditor warrants, liquor licenses, and grant applications via a consent agenda.

• Remanded Travis Senenfelder Blue Water Resort reclassification request to planning commission (Unanimous)
• Approved Auditor Manual Warrants/Voids/Corrections (Batch 2) for $3,980,787.12
• Approved Auditor ACH (P1 2023 2nd Advance Settlement) for $5,349,247.94
• Approved Auditor Warrants dated Jun 8, 2023, for $573,416.60
• Approved Application for Wellness Court Grant for $140,702.00
• Approved Leigh Reiner’s (Grinning Bear Roll-off) reclassification request
• Authorized $5,000 budget support for Cass County Agricultural Association for 2022 and 2023
• Approved various tobacco, beer, and liquor licenses

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on June 12, 2023, to review and act on several land-use applications, including preliminary and final plats, reclassifications, variances, and conditional use permits. Field inspections for these applications were conducted on June 5, 2023. The agenda includes residential and commercial developments, resort expansions, and shoreline property modifications.

• Preliminary plat 'Bokelman Acres' – 3 residential lots on 251.12 acres in Moose Lake Township
• Final plat 'Quarterdeck Resort Cottage's West' – 16 lots and 3 outlots for PUD in Fairview Township
• Reclassification of 83.29 acres from RR-2.5 to C-2 for solid waste transfer facility (Reiner, Pine River Township)
• Reclassification of 2.31 acres from Shoreland Residential to WOC for resort expansion (Senenfelder, Birch Lake Township)
• Conditional use permit for 41-site seasonal RV Park with 20,000 C.Y. earth movement (Hanna, Shingobee Township)

The Commission approved a preliminary plat for Bokelman Acres and a final plat for Quarterdeck Resort Cottage’s West. It recommended approval for two land reclassifications and approved a residential reconstruction variance.

• Approved Preliminary Plat for 'Bokelman Acres' (7-0)
• Approved Final Plat for 'Quarterdeck Resort Cottage’s West' (7-0)
• Recommended approval to reclassify 83.29 acres to Commercial (C-2) for a solid waste transfer facility (7-0)
• Recommended approval to reclassify 2.31 acres to Water Orientated Commercial (WOC) for resort expansion (6-1)
• Approved variance to reconstruct a residential structure 39 feet from Long Lake OHWL and add a second story (7-0)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting Juneteenth as a county holiday via resolution and memorandums of understanding, and receive a report from the Opioid Settlement Committee. A public hearing on the Capital Improvement Plan is scheduled, along with decisions on land use, highway contracts, and a lengthy consent agenda covering personnel, licenses, and various agreements.

• Adopt resolution and MOUs recognizing Juneteenth as a county holiday
• Public hearing on Capital Improvement Plan
• Award highway contracts 07010 and 60514
• Approve use of county administered land and Northern Waters Land Trust parcel donation
• Consent agenda includes Waste Partners supplemental agreement and Chippewa National Forest fund distribution

The Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 35-23 to establish Juneteenth as a paid annual holiday for county employees. The board also approved six Memorandums of Understanding with collective bargaining units to implement the holiday.

• Adopted Resolution 35-23 recognizing Juneteenth as a County Holiday (Unanimous)
• Approved MOUs with six collective bargaining units for Juneteenth holiday (Unanimous)
• Approved Auditor Warrants totaling $8,120,000.00+ across multiple dates (Unanimous)
• Awarded $41,680 sidewalk improvement contract to Masonry by Hines (Unanimous)
• Awarded trail mowing contracts to Mutch’s Forestry and Northfork Boulders (Unanimous)
• Approved various liquor, beer, and gambling licenses (Unanimous)
• Approved $249,903.22 distribution of Chippewa National Forest Fund payment (Unanimous)
• Remanded zoning reclassification applications for Grinning Bear Roll-off and Blue Water Resort to Planning Commission (Unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District will review six cost-share applications for forest management plans, with district shares ranging from $492.75 to $834.75. The board will also hear funding requests for aquatic invasive species (AIS) tools and stations, and discuss the Stoney Creek Culvert Project funding solutions.

• Six cost-share applications for PFM plans, district shares from $492.75 to $834.75
• Steamboat Lake Association tool station funding request
• Association of Cass County Lakes tool station and aquaweed stick funding requests
• Update on funding solutions for Stoney Creek Culvert Project
• Appointment of SWCD supervisor to MN SWCD Forestry Assn meetings

The board approved several cost-share applications for PFM plans and cover crops across multiple townships. Funding was granted for lake tool stations and a funding solution for the Stoney Creek Culvert Project was accepted. The board also appointed a primary and alternate supervisor for the MN SWCD Forestry Assn meetings.

• Approved 50% cost share for Steamboat Lake Association tool station ($179.57) (Unanimous)
• Approved 50% cost share for Association of Cass County Lakes tool station signs (not to exceed $3,150) (4-0-1)
• Accepted funding proposals for Stoney Creek Culvert Project, including use of up to $15,830.50 from TSA8 engineering funds
• Appointed Katy Botz as primary and Jennifer O’Neill as alternate for MN SWCD Forestry Assn meetings
• Approved 10 cost-share applications for PFM plans and cover crops totaling various amounts from $445.50 to $1,360 (Unanimous)
• Approved payment to William Barret for CS385-23 in the amount of $367.50 (Unanimous)
• Approved May 4, 2023 meeting minutes and May 2023 bank statement (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet on May 16, 2023, at the Otter Tail Peninsula Township to discuss and decide on several items, including a DNR groundwater atlas update, solid waste trailer modifications, a forfeited tax settlement, the final 2022 budget, and a highway turnaround construction project. The board will also consider a large consent agenda covering personnel items, grants, contracts, and other routine approvals.

• Approve final 2022 budget requests
• DNR Groundwater Atlas Program update
• Construction of a turnaround on Ottertail Point Dr. NW
• Approve transfer station management contract amendment #5
• Approve CSAH 37 joint powers agreement with City of Walker

The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda including multiple auditor warrants, personnel changes, and liquor licenses. It also authorized specific grants and solid waste trailer modifications. Two land reclassification requests were denied.

• Approved auditor warrants totaling $1,114,456.07 (unanimous)
• Approved gambling license for Crooked Lake Fire Fighters Relief Association (5-0)
• Approved $2,500 per trailer for solid waste trailer modifications (unanimous)
• Approved $11,443.80 law enforcement agreement with USDA Forest Service
• Approved reclassification request for Eugene Hageman (Sah Kah Tah Beach Resort)
• Denied reclassification requests for Matthew Wooden and Dan and Vanessa Bye
• Authorized $155,500 payment for 1st Quarter Longville Ambulance Subordinate Service District
• Approved $44,364 annual Caseload/Workload Reduction Grant application

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on May 8, 2023, to review a final plat, several reclassification requests, variances, and conditional use permits. The agenda includes a final plat for a residential subdivision, multiple reclassification requests to change zoning, and several variance requests for shoreline properties. The commission will also consider conditional use permits for a resort expansion, a light manufacturing business, a communications tower, and an extractive use site.

• Final plat: Alder Ash Addition, 4 residential lots on ~5.31 acres, Pine River Township
• Reclassification: Bye, Dan & Vanessa, ~20.16 acres from RR-5 to RR-2.5 for 3 homes, Loon Lake Township
• Reclassification: Jobe, John, ~80.23 acres from AF to RR-10, Walden Township
• Variance: Hageman, Eugene, 0-foot setbacks for mobile home replacement, Pike Bay Township
• CUP: Lavallee, Levi, 250-foot communications tower, Shingobee Township

The Planning Commission approved a four-lot residential final plat and recommended approval for one commercial reclassification. Two reclassification requests were recommended for denial, and one was tabled.

• Approved Final Plat for 'Alder Ash Addition' (7-0)
• Recommended denial of reclassification for Dan & Vanessa Bye from RR-5 to RR-2.5 (5-2)
• Tabled reclassification application for John Jobe from AF to RR-10 (7-0)
• Recommended denial of reclassification for Matthew Wooden from RR-2.5 to RR-5 (6-1)
• Recommended approval of reclassification for Eugene Hageman from Shoreland Residential to Water Orientated Commercial (7-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its regular meeting to approve the consent agenda, hear reports from NRCS, BWSR, and staff, and consider multiple cost-share applications for conservation practices. The board will also discuss aquatic invasive species (AIS) updates, including a donation request and a funding request for a Washburn Lake delineation survey, as well as review policies and appointments.

• Swearing in of Katy Botz as interim District 3 Supervisor
• Review and approval of cost-share payments: Randy Dague ($1,000), Dan Youngren ($414), John Ringle ($387), Tianna Country Club ($331.50), Charles Foust ($250), Dan Salzbrun ($1,000), Alan Johnson ($10,424.66), Nancy Buckley ($5,844)
• Review of AIS donation request from MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates
• Review of Washburn Lake delineation survey funding request
• Review of PFM payment policy and MASWCD resolutions

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a $2,490 cost-share for Lake Washburn Association's AIS delineation survey and monitoring, and supported a $1,000 AIS outreach campaign. Multiple cost-share applications were approved, including a $10,424.66 grazing plan and several PFM plans. The board also rescinded and replaced the Mississippi River-Grand Rapids Watershed Memorandum of Agreement, and appointed supervisors to various policy committees.

• Approved $2,490 for Lake Washburn Association AIS delineation survey and monitoring (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 for AIS outreach campaign (unanimous)
• Approved CS382-23: $10,424.66 for Alan Johnson grazing plan (4-1, LaPorte opposed)
• Approved Change Order No. 2 for Landwehr Construction for $8,663 (4-1, Kuschel opposed)
• Approved new Memorandum of Agreement for Mississippi River-Grand Rapids Watershed (unanimous)
• Rescinded previous Memorandum of Agreement for Mississippi River-Grand Rapids Watershed (unanimous)
• Approved multiple cost-share payments for Youngren, Ringle, Tianna Country Club, Foust, Holmes (unanimous)
• Approved up to $200 for Pillager and Pine River County Fair advertising (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss and potentially approve several items, including a preliminary capital improvement plan, a public hearing on the third reading of the land use ordinance, a solid waste tip fee increase, and a bid for bituminous crack sealing. The board will also consider a consent agenda with numerous routine items such as personnel changes, contracts, and grants.

• Public hearing on 3rd reading of Cass County Land Use Ordinance
• Approve solid waste tip fee increase
• Approve C.M. 2023-04 bituminous crack sealing bid
• Approve contract amendment No. 2 with McAllister Trucking Inc. for hauling MSW and recyclables
• Approve Sheriff's Office radio network upgrade

The Board approved a bituminous crack sealing contract for several county highways and scheduled a public hearing for the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan. The consent agenda was passed, including several warrants, personnel appointments, and gambling licenses.

• Awarded $280,430 bituminous crack sealing bid to Northwest Asphalt & Maintenance (Unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for 2023 Capital Improvement Plan for June 6, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 32-23 for Leech Lake Area Amateur Hockey Association gambling license (Majority)
• Approved $347,898.48, $595,896.84, $602,787.17, $229,054.56, and $137,530.82 in auditor warrants (Unanimous)
• Approved tipping fee assistance up to $2,000 for City of Hackensack cleanup (Unanimous)
• Awarded demolition projects to Holmvig Excavating LLC, ACCT, Northfork Boulders & Excavating, and Storlie Construction (Unanimous)
• Approved $61,522 and $10,500 State of Minnesota boating safety grant agreements (Unanimous)
• Approved $16,005.60 for network equipment and fiber installation (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider establishing a committee to appoint a director for HHVS, receive a report from the Solid Waste Committee, and hear a community briefing from Camp Ripley. They will also review the Land Department annual report and consider an appointment to the Crow Wing River One Watershed One Plan Policy Committee. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, warrants, personnel items, contracts, and agreements.

• Establish committee to appoint HHVS director
• Camp Ripley 2023 community briefing
• Land Department annual report
• Crow Wing River One Watershed One Plan Policy Committee appointment
• Approve sanitary sewage treatment joint powers agreement with City of East Gull Lake

The Board adopted a Resolution for Emergency Declaration following rapid snowmelt that damaged multiple roads. The Board also approved several solid waste contracts and established a committee to appoint a new HHVS Director.

• Adopted Resolution for Emergency Declaration due to road flooding (Unanimous)
• Approved 32-month contract with Waste Management (Unanimous)
• Approved contract amendment for Evan McAllister at $2.25 per mile (Unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Albany Recycling for electronics hauling at $575 per load (Unanimous)
• Approved expanding Solid Waste Management Plan scope to include a business plan (Unanimous)
• Established Committee of the Board (Commissioners Gaalswyk and Kangas) to appoint HHVS Director (Unanimous)
• Approved $199,285.50 budget support for Kitchigami Regional Library (Unanimous)
• Approved grading contracts for Deerfield Trail, Moose Lake/Fish Lake Trails, Bull Moose Trail, Snow Way 1, and Old Grade (Unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on April 10, 2023, to review a preliminary plat for a 16-lot PUD, a final plat for a 4-lot residential subdivision, and five variance requests for shoreline properties. The commission will also conduct a public hearing to consider changes to the Land Use Ordinance sections 501(A), 800 D, and 1104 regarding agricultural activities, as directed by the County Board.

• Preliminary plat for Quarterdeck Resort Cottage's West, 16 lots and 3 outlots on 10.4 acres in Fairview Township
• Final plat for Alder Ash Addition, 4 residential lots on 5.31 acres in Pine River Township
• Variance for Clinton Wheeler to build a 26'x36' home at 34' setback from Blackwater Lake (RD)
• Variance for Richard Simonson to place a 10'x48' RV as an accessory dwelling unit on Leech Lake (GD)
• Public hearing on Land Use Ordinance changes to sections 501(A), 800 D, and 1104 regarding agricultural activities

The commission approved a preliminary plat for a 16-lot resort development and granted four land-use variances for residential structures. Two applications were tabled, and proposed changes to the Land Use Ordinance regarding agricultural activities were sent to the County Board.

• Approved preliminary plat for Quarterdeck Resort Cottage’s West (5-0)
• Tabled Final Plat for Alder Ash Addition to correct defective notice (5-0)
• Approved variance for residential structure and septic at 2878 Norman Point Trail NW (4-1)
• Approved variance for RV accessory dwelling unit at 3114 Rocky Point Dr. NW (5-0)
• Tabled After-The-Fact variance for retaining wall at 2063 Perch Ln SW (5-0)
• Approved variance for garage at 4709 Snowball Rd NE (5-0)
• Approved variance for home additions and garage at 1477 Ossego Rd SW (5-0)
• Approved changes to Land Use Ordinance Sections 501(A), 1104 A&B, and 800 D (5-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District will meet to approve consent agenda items, hear reports from NRCS, BWSR, and AIS staff, and consider several cost-share payments for forest management practices. They will also review a $200,000 task order for engineering services in Longville and Federal Dam, funded by Enbridge, and discuss a $1,170 algae sampling lab work request from the Leech Lake Association.

• Review and approve AECOM Task Order 3 under Master Consulting Service Agreement for cities of Longville and Federal Dam from Enbridge funds, total budget $200,000
• Request for payment of $691.82 for a 70.41 acre PFM cost share for David Roerock Trust in Hubbard County
• Request for payment of $750.00 for a 44 acre PFM for Eric Nelson (CS366-23)
• Request for payment of $750.00 for a 40 acre PFM for Gerald Freitag (CS368-23)
• Leech Lake Association funds request for algae sampling lab work - $1,170

The board appointed a new interim supervisor and approved several cost-share payments for land management and water projects. They also authorized a $200,000 task order for consulting services in Longville and Federal Dam. Multiple grants for aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring and signage were approved.

• Appointed Katy Botz as District 3 SWCD Interim Supervisor (Unanimous)
• Approved $200,000 AECOM Task Order 3 for Longville and Federal Dam (Unanimous)
• Approved $112,638.65 payment to Landwehr Construction for Stony Creek Culvert Replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,170 cost-share for Leech Lake Association algae monitoring (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,185.70 cost-share for Association of Cass County Lakes tool station signs (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to MN Traditions for AIS marketing (Unanimous)
• Approved $800 for Town Line Lake Association Eurasian watermilfoil survey (Unanimous)
• Approved $527 cost-share for RALALA sign kiosk at Roosevelt Lake Access (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider routine administrative items including fourth-quarter budget amendments, a roadway striping bid, and an Army easement for CSAH 70. The consent agenda bundles approvals of minutes, warrants, personnel items, licenses, and grant applications, with several items to be received and filed.

• Approve General Fund 4th Quarter Budget Amendments and Transfers
• Approve C.M. 2023-03 Roadway Striping Bid
• CSAH 70 Department of Army Easement
• Approve grant application to re-monument public land survey corners in Woodrow Township
• Authorize direct sale to City of Cass Lake

The Board approved a $156,839.56 contract for roadway striping and a resolution to seek regional funding for youth mental health services. Other actions included approving 4th Quarter budget amendments and authorizing a grant application for land survey monumentation in Woodrow Township.

• Approved $156,839.56 roadway striping contract to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 28-23 to seek Sourcewell funding for regional youth mental health services (Unanimous)
• Approved 2022 4th Quarter General Fund budget amendments and transfers (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 29-23 to apply for a $160,000 grant for Woodrow Township survey corners (Unanimous)
• Approved easement from Department of the Army for CSAH 70 re-alignment project (Unanimous)
• Approved sale of two tax-forfeited parcels to City of Cass Lake for $6,026.35 (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 30-23 approving gambling licenses for Remer Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association (Unanimous)
• Approved $5,900.98 ARPA grant for Cass Lake Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to set its 2023 summer meeting schedule, adopt an amended opioid settlement resolution, and receive a report from the ATV ordinance committee. They will also consider several highway contracts, including an aggregate surfacing bid and contract awards, and a consent agenda with routine items like licenses, personnel, and grant agreements.

• Adopt amended opioid settlement resolution
• Approve C.M. 2023-01 aggregate surfacing bid
• Award of contract 23103
• Approve 2023 tree planting contract
• Approve licenses (tobacco, 3.2 beer, liquor, gambling)

The Board adopted a resolution to participate in multistate opioid supply chain settlements and approved several highway construction and surfacing contracts. They also authorized a grant application for noxious weed control and established the 2023 summer meeting schedule.

• Adopted Resolution 24-23 to participate in multistate opioid settlements (Unanimous)
• Awarded C.M. 2023-01 Aggregate Surfacing contract to Swenson Aggregate & Construction, LLC for $323,261.40 (Unanimous)
• Awarded Contract 23103 for County Road 103 project to Knife River for $793,618.25 (Unanimous)
• Approved final payment to Anderson Brothers Construction Company for Contract 63203 in the amount of $4,111,391.01 (Unanimous)
• Approved $4,950.00 MDA Noxious Weed Grant application for Purple Loosestrife beetles (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Board of Commissioners Summer Meeting Schedule (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 26-23 amending the 2023 Tax Forfeit Land Sale list (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 27-23 for gambling licenses for North Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and The YAH Club, Inc. (Unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on March 13, 2023, to review and act on several land-use applications. These include a preliminary plat, two reclassification requests, three variance applications, and two conditional use permits for resort expansions. Field inspections for most applications were conducted on March 6, 2023.

• Preliminary plat 'Alder Ash Addition' for 4 residential lots on 5.31 acres in Pine River Township
• Reclassification of 40.13 acres in Powers Township from Rural Residential 2.5 to Agricultural Forested for extractive use
• Reclassification of 40.23 acres in May Township from Agricultural Forested to Rural Residential 20 to split into two 20-acre parcels
• Variance requests for structures near Willow River, Lake ADA, and Gull Lake, including a 32'x32' garage and pole shed
• Conditional use permits for Birch Bay RV Resort Phase 4 (39 RV sites) and Quarterdeck Resort expansion (16 cabins, new access road, docking)

The commission approved a 39-site RV expansion and a 16-cabin resort redesign. It also approved two land reclassifications and one residential variance, while tabling two other variance requests.

• Approved 'Alder Ash Addition' preliminary plat for four residential lots (4-0)
• Recommended approval to reclassify 40.13 acres to Agricultural Forested for extractive use (4-0)
• Recommended approval to reclassify 40.23 acres to Rural Residential 20 (4-0)
• Approved variance for residential reconstruction and addition at 4295 Winding Road NE (4-0)
• Tabled variance for garage and home addition at 798 State 84 NW (4-0)
• Tabled variance for home additions and garage at 1477 Ossego Rd SW (4-0)
• Approved Phase 4 of Birch Bay RV Resort for 39 sites and wastewater system (4-0)
• Approved Quarterdeck Beach Club redesign for 16 cabins and private road (4-0)

County Commissioners

The Board approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement for Health, Human & Veterans Services employees and awarded a bridge deck sealing contract to PCiRoads, LLC. The Board also remanded the Land Use Ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further language revisions.

• Approved 2023-2025 Local Union #2195 HHVS Contract (Unanimous)
• Awarded Contract 23009 for bridge deck sealing to PCiRoads, LLC for $165,696.70 (Unanimous)
• Remanded Land Use Ordinance 2022-02 to Planning Commission for language changes (Unanimous)
• Approved $14,732.20 local match for CSAH 70 cultural resource monitoring (Unanimous)
• Approved $14,915.00 fire contract for Unorganized Townships with City of Deer River (Unanimous)
• Approved gambling license for Maxon Van Eps Legion Post 368 SAL via Res 22-23 (Unanimous)
• Approved Res 21-23 supporting Bi-CAP grant for Family Homelessness Prevention (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Household Hazardous Waste collection schedule (Unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The board approved the 2023 Annual Plan and Budget Update, including a cap on PFM plan cost shares at $1,000. Several cost-share requests for aquatic invasive species monitoring and PFM applications were approved. The board also approved a contract with WaterGuards for 2023 watercraft inspection services.

• Approved 2023 Annual Plan and Budget Update (Unanimous)
• Approved WaterGuards contract for 2023 watercraft inspection services (Unanimous)
• Approved 75% cost share of $145 for Webb Lake Association (Unanimous)
• Approved 50% cost share of $160 for Wabadeo Little Boy Cooper Rice Lake Association (Unanimous)
• Approved 50% cost share of $1,437.50 for Gull Chain of Lakes Association monitoring (Unanimous)
• Approved 50% cost share of $525 for Margaret Lake curly leaf pondweed survey (Unanimous)
• Approved $300 donation to Envirothon (Unanimous)
• Approved $300 donation to 4H (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider approving a series of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants to local organizations, including My Neighbor to Love Coalition, Hackensack Game Changers Child Care Team, City of Remer & Remer Area Ambulance Service, Pine River Backus Family Center, Arvig Telephone Company (dba TDS Telecom), Balsam Moon Preserve, and Northland Community Schools. The board will also discuss establishing a committee for an ATV ordinance, receive reports from the Opioid Settlement and Solid Waste committees, and consider a contract award for Highway project 67010. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as meeting minutes, warrants, personnel items, licenses, and various contracts and reports.

• ARPA grants to 7 local organizations
• Establish committee for ATV ordinance
• Award Highway Contract 67010
• Approve Deep Portage drywall replacement project
• Approve Wold land acquisition

The Board approved several ARPA Phase III grants totaling $264,984 for local organizations and cities. It also authorized retroactive payment increases for waste hauling and recycling contracts. Additionally, the Board established a committee to develop a new ATV ordinance.

• Approved ARPA Phase III grants to 7 entities, including $108,000 for Hackensack Game Changers Child Care Team (Unanimous)
• Approved 25% retroactive increase for hauling agreement to move materials to Pine River Transfer Station (Unanimous)
• Approved 7.4% retroactive increase for Waste Partners Transfer Station and Recycle Bin agreements (Unanimous)
• Established ATV Ordinance Committee consisting of Commissioners Peterson and Kangas (Unanimous)
• Approved $41,500 cash match for acquisition of 67.2-acre Wold property on Lake Leavitt (Unanimous)
• Awarded $158,949 tree-clearing contract for CSAH 70 to Helmin Construction, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Approved $43,365 drywall replacement project for Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 AIS Annual budget of $537,000 and updated Management Plan (Unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to review several land-use applications, including a final plat, a reclassification, multiple variances for shoreline properties, a conditional use permit for an extractive use site, and a continued first reading of Land Use Ordinance amendments. Field inspections for these applications were conducted on February 6, 2023.

• Final plat 'Lady Slipper Landing' for 3 residential lots on 5.44 acres at 3359 Warbler Dr. NW, Birch Lake Township
• Reclassification of 39.79 acres from Agricultural Forested to Rural Residential 10 for future subdivision in Walden Township
• Variance for home addition at 93.25-ft setback from OHWL on Ada Lake (RD) at 438 Sunrise Dr. NW
• Variance for garage addition 2 ft from side lot line and ROW at 4709 Snowball Rd NE on Upper Trelipe Lake
• Conditional use permit for 34-acre extractive use site in Powers Township

The Commission approved a conditional use permit for a 34-acre extractive use site and recommended approval of Land Use Ordinance amendments. Several residential variances and a final plat were approved, while one garage construction application was tabled.

• Approved conditional use permit for 34-acre extractive use site (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Land Use Ordinance amendments to County Board (6-0)
• Approved final plat for 'Lady Slipper Landing' (6-0)
• Recommended approval to reclassify 39.79 acres to Rural Residential 10 (6-0)
• Approved variance for home addition at 438 Sunrise DR NW (6-0)
• Approved variance for home reconstruction at 3332 6th St NW (6-0)
• Approved variance for attached garage at 5921 S. Maple Lake Trl NE (6-0)
• Tabled variance for garage at 4709 Snowball Rd NE (6-0)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider several action items, including ARPA grants for local organizations, approval of the 2023 tax-forfeit land sale, and highway contracts. The agenda also includes numerous consent agenda items covering personnel, contracts, and budget support for various organizations.

• ARPA grants for Pine River-Backus Schools, Federal Dam Volunteer Fire Department, and Immanuel Lutheran Church
• Approve 2023 tax-forfeit land sale
• Designate bike lane and speed limits on CSAH 37
• Award contracts 63703 and 67007
• Approve Cass County network upgrade

The Board awarded a major construction contract for CSAH 37 and approved ARPA grant funding for a school health addition, childcare expansion, and a fire truck. They also established the 2023 tax forfeit land sale and approved a county network upgrade.

• Awarded CSAH 37 construction contract to Casper Construction, Inc. for $3,488,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved $265,016 ARPA grant for Pine River Backus Schools health services addition (Unanimous)
• Approved $250,000 ARPA grant for Immanuel Lutheran Church childcare expansion (Unanimous)
• Approved $20,000 ARPA grant for Federal Dam Volunteer Fire Department fire truck (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 10-23 establishing tax forfeit land sale for June 10, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved $68,000 Cass County network upgrade (Unanimous)
• Awarded demolition contract 67007 to TNT Construction Group LLC for $35,250 (Unanimous)
• Tabled Resolution 15-23 regarding CSAH 37 bike lanes and speed limits (Unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District will meet to review and approve the 2023 AIS budget, management plan, and annual report, as well as the proposed 2023 annual plan and budget update. The board will also consider multiple cost-share applications for conservation practices, including several PFM projects, and hear reports from NRCS, BWSR, and AIS staff. The agenda includes a request to be heard from Jim Etzel of 'The Earth is Our Home'.

• Review 2023 AIS Budget, Management Plan, Annual Report
• Review proposed 2023 Annual Plan and Budget Update
• Approve cost-share applications: CS362-22 Cornell (30-acre PFM), CS359-22 Sylvan Beach Club Raingarden, CS364-22 Mark Rotz (320-acre PFM), CS369-23 Kevin Grandy (40-acre PFM), CS366-22 Eric Nelson (44-acre PFM), CS368-23 Gerald Freitag (40-acre PFM), CS367-23 Clint Wheeler (178-acre PFM), CS372-23 Paul Anderson (50-acre PFM), CS370-23 Dave Holtz (82-acre PFM), CS371-23 Mike Bauerly (88-acre PFM)
• Enbridge update and Liaison Committee meeting report
• Supervisor mileage increase discussion

The board approved the 2023 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) budget and management plan. Members also authorized several cost share payments for raingardens and prairie field management (PFM) projects. Additional actions included approving a 2023 audit contract and updating bank account signatures.

• Approved 2023 AIS Budget for $537,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved Cass AIS Prevention and Management Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved SOW for Bowen Lake starry stonewort removal (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,150 payment to Becker SWCD for Linder’s Angling Buzz (Unanimous)
• Approved $3,200 contract with Peterson Company LTD for 2023 audit (Unanimous)
• Approved 10 cost share payments for raingardens and PFM projects (Unanimous)
• Approved updating bank signatures to remove Jim Ballenthin and add Jennifer O’Neill (Unanimous)
• Approved $100 payment for MACAI annual dues (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider approving new labor contracts with two unions, receive a report on ARPA funds, and establish a committee for opioid settlement funds. They will also discuss support for a DNR letter, snowmobile trail funding, a tax forfeit land sale, and a MnDOT intersection project, along with routine consent agenda items.

• Approve 2023-2025 AFSCME Local Union #2195 labor contract
• Approve 2023-2025 Teamsters General Local Union No. 346 labor contract
• Report back from budget committee on ARPA funds
• Establish committee for opioid settlement funds
• Letter of support for MnDOT TH 210 and CSAH 1 intersection project in Pillager

The Board unanimously approved three-year collective bargaining agreements for Courthouse employees and Dispatcher/Records units. The Board also approved a Phase III ARPA grant application and established a committee to manage $386,262 in opioid settlement funds.

• Approved 2023-2025 AFSCME Local Union No. 2195 labor contract (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023-2025 Teamsters General Local Union No. 346 labor contract (Unanimous)
• Approved Phase III American Rescue Plan Act Grant application (Unanimous)
• Established Opioid Settlement Funds Committee with Commissioners Haaland and Kangas (Unanimous)
• Approved amended letter of support for MNDNR land acquisition with WMA designation request (Unanimous)
• Approved 25% match for snowmobile trail emergency debris removal (Unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for TH 210 and CSAH 1 intersection project in Pillager (Unanimous)
• Tabled Resolution 10-23 regarding June 10, 2023 tax forfeit land sale until February 7, 2023 (Unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to review a preliminary plat, three variance requests, and three conditional use permits, including a major resort expansion. Field inspections for these applications were conducted on January 3, 2023.

• Preliminary plat 'Lady Slipper Landing' for 10 residential lots on 5.44 acres in Birch Lake Township
• Variance for Mark Anderson to build additions and a driveway within bluff impact zone on Gull Lake
• Variance for James and Sharon Moran for a cabin addition and deck on Long Lake
• Conditional use permit for Anderson Brothers to establish a 28-acre extractive use site in McKinley Township
• Conditional use permit for Quarterdeck Beach Club LLC to add 16 resort cabins and docking at Gull Lake

The Planning Commission approved a 28-acre extractive use site and a three-lot residential preliminary plat. A variance for a cabin addition was granted, while two other variance and conditional use applications were tabled.

• Approved 'Lady Slipper Landing' preliminary plat for three residential lots (6-0)
• Approved variance for 8 x 38.5-foot cabin addition and deck expansion at 6132 Wayward Trl NE (6-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for 28-acre extractive use site North of 7645 20th St SW (6-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for wellness, massage, and Reiki home business at 5269 County 40 NW (6-0)
• Tabled variance for home additions and driveway expansion at 1477 Ossego Rd SW (6-0)
• Tabled conditional use permit for Quarterdeck Beach Club LLC resort redesign (6-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold a regular meeting to approve the consent agenda, hear reports from NRCS, BWSR, and AIS staff, and review two cost-share applications. The board will also discuss and potentially sign a Memorandum of Agreement for the Crow Wing River One Watershed, One Plan, and consider the 2023 annual update.

• Review and approve cost-share applications CS364-22 (Henkemeyer) and CS363-22 (Hartmann)
• Review and sign Crow Wing River 1W1P Planning MOA
• Discuss 2023 Annual Update
• Swearing in of Jennifer O’Neill, elected District 5 Supervisor
• Board re-organization and election of officers

The board adopted Resolution #01-2023 to establish the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan as the district's comprehensive plan. Members also approved several cost-share applications for windbreaks and pasture forest management. The board reorganized its leadership and approved memberships for local outreach.

• Adopted Resolution #01-2023 for the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved cost-share application CS364-22 for 160-acre PFM; district share $720 (Unanimous)
• Approved cost-share application CS363-22 for 380-foot windbreak; district share $3,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved cost-share application CS365-22 for 80-acre PFM; district share $802.12 (Unanimous)
• Approved signing 'Keep it Clean' agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved Leech Lake Chamber membership and North Country Resort Buyer’s Show registration (Unanimous)
• Approved authorization to sign Crow Wing 1W1P planning MOA (Unanimous)
• Approved exploring alternative accounting options and purchasing staff logo clothing (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will reorganize for 2023, elect officers, and adopt business rules and appointments. They will also consider several contracts and agreements, including a jail labor contract and a joint powers agreement for the East Gull Lake Trail project. The agenda includes routine consent items like warrants, licenses, and personnel changes.

• Approve 2023-2025 Local No. 320 Jail Labor Contract
• Approve Joint Powers Agreement for East Gull Lake Trail Project
• Adopt Resolution 02-23 for 2023 Printing & Publishing
• Approve Agency Agreement (No. 1049929) with MnDOT for Advanced Construction
• Authorize 25% Fund Use Deep Portage

The Board elected Scott Bruns as Chair and Neal Gaalswyk as Vice Chair. The commissioners adopted the 2023 meeting rules of business, approved a three-year labor contract for jail staff, and established the 2023 meeting schedule. Several resolutions regarding MnDOT agreements, polling places, and probation funding were also passed.

• Elected Scott Bruns as Chair (Unanimous)
• Elected Neal Gaalswyk as Vice Chair (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 01-23 establishing 2023 Board Meeting Rules of Business (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023-2025 Local No. 320 Jail Labor Contract (Unanimous)
• Tabled Solid Waste Committee recommendations regarding contract amendments (Unanimous)
• Approved use of County land and road right of way for Nisswa 100 Snowmobile Race (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 07-23 endorsing the Community Supervision Work Group funding formula (Unanimous)
• Approved Joint Powers Agreement to sponsor East Gull Lake trail project (Unanimous)