Mille Lacs County public meetings in 2023

County Board

The Mille Lacs County Board will hold a regular meeting to consider several items, including the 2024 budget and levy resolution, a contract for the Armer Radio System, and bids for a box culvert project. They will also review MFIP-DWP services and discuss a closed meeting to evaluate the county administrator's performance.

• Consider Resolution 12-27-23-01: 2024 Budget & Levy
• Consider Ethernet Backhaul Contract for the Armer Radio System
• Consider SAP 048-598-014 CR 105 and 119 Box Culvert Project Bids
• Consider VALT Interview Room Camera System
• Consider Personnel Policy Revisions to Section CC. Employee Recognition

County Board

The Mille Lacs County Board will hold a public hearing on the 2024 fee schedule and consider resolutions adopting the 2024 budget and levy, as well as commissioner compensation. The board will also discuss a parity plan for elected officials and review the county jail facility during work sessions.

• Public hearing on 2024 fee schedule
• Resolution 12-19-23-03: 2024 Budget & Levy
• Resolution 12-19-23-02: Commissioner Compensation & Per Diem
• Resolution 12-19-23-01: 2023 AIS Prevention Aid
• Consider support for Father Hennepin State Park Expansion

County Board

The Mille Lacs County Board is meeting to address routine administrative items and several notable actions. Key items include a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy, consideration of Soo Line Trail projects, and support for a state park expansion. The consent agenda includes contracts, permits, and personnel policy changes.

• Truth-in-Taxation public hearing
• Consider Soo Line Trail projects
• Consider support for Father Hennepin State Park expansion
• Consider 2024-2025 Viper Maintenance Renewal Agreement with Lumen
• Consider Resolution 12-07-23-01: Authorize Lawful Gambling Permit

County Board

The County Board will conduct a work session and regular meeting covering budget reviews and various contracts. Items include discussions on housing aid, compensation for elected department heads, and drainage system assessments.

• MN Housing Aid discussion
• 2024 Drainage System Assessments (Resolution 11-21-23-02)
• Elected Department Head Compensation (Resolution 11-21-23-03)
• Volunteers of America CY24-25 Contract
• Lighthouse Child & Family Services CY2024 Contract

County Board

The Mille Lacs County Board will hold a work session to review the 2023 year-to-date budget and the parity plan, followed by a regular meeting. The regular agenda includes consent items such as approving a gambling permit, contracts for guardianship and psychological services, and a tax court settlement, as well as regular agenda items like repurchasing tax-forfeited property, authorizing recruitment for a co-responder, and approving engineering proposals for road projects.

• Resolution 11-07-23-01: Gambling permit for Onamia Area Civic Association
• CY2024 Contract for Guardianship/Conservatorship
• CY2024 Contract with Lakeview Psychological
• Resolution 11-07-23-02: Repurchase of tax-forfeited property
• WSB proposal for engineering for CSAH 31 Project

County Board

The County Board approved several zoning changes, a bridge replacement priority list, and the sale of real property in Princeton. The board also authorized a stormwater construction contract and directed staff to evaluate jail facility options.

• Approved sale of real property (Lots 10, 11 & 12, Block 60, Princeton) with appraised value of $109,900 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 09-05-23-03 identifying high priority bridges for replacement or rehabilitation (unanimous)
• Approved $59,500 proposal from Logan's Excavating for SMF stormwater construction (unanimous)
• Approved re-zoning parcel 11-035-0504 from A-R Agricultural Residential to C-2 Highway Commercial (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Surface Water Oriented Commercial Use on parcel 08-004-1900 with modified quiet hours (unanimous)
• Approved CUP for Contractor Supply Yard on parcel 01-030-0402 (unanimous)
• Approved payment to Counsel for Legal Services (4-1)
• Directed staff to evaluate renovation and closure options for jail facility (unanimous)

County Board

The County Board awarded a construction contract for SAP 048-601-035 CSAH 1 and approved a charitable gambling permit for the Milaca Golf Club. The board also approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 08-15-23-01 granting an Exempt Permit for Milaca Golf Club to hold a raffle on April 14, 2024 (unanimous)
• Awarded contract for SAP 048-601-035 CSAH 1 to Kern and Tabery (unanimous)

County Board

The Board approved a revised Land Services fee schedule and a new Subdivision Plat Review Ordinance. Other actions included granting a temporary liquor license and updating home-based business regulations.

• Approved revised Land Services Fee Schedule (3-1)
• Approved Subdivision Plat Review Ordinance (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 08-01-23-01 for Rum River Trail Association temporary liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved final plat of Martin Marina (unanimous)
• Approved MLCDO Article 5, Provision 504.19 and Table 501 regarding Home Based Businesses (unanimous)
• Approved revised Public Works Director and Highway Maintenance Superintendent position descriptions (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)

County Board

The County Board approved a paving contract for CSAH 21 and the rezoning of parcel 01-030-0402. Legal service payments to counsel were approved, and two planning recommendations were tabled for further action or research.

• Approved low bid from Mark Sand and Gravel Co. for CSAH 21 paving project (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of parcel 01-030-0402 (unanimous)
• Approved payments to Counsel for Legal Services (3-1)
• Tabled re-platting recommendation pending drainage agreement at Martin Marina (unanimous)
• Tabled amendment to Home Based Business ordinance for further research (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda as amended (unanimous)

County Board

The County Board approved the sale of county-owned properties in Princeton for $120,000 and $20,000. The board also adopted a resolution to relinquish interests in specific land parcels in Princeton and approved updates to personnel and procurement policies.

• Approved sale of County-owned properties in Princeton for $120,000 & $20,000 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 07-06-23-01 to relinquish interests in parts of Lot 10, Block 3, and Summit Avenue, Murray’s Addition to Princeton (unanimous)
• Approved Procurement and Personnel Policy amendments (unanimous)
• Approved lease of a John Deere X739 (3-1)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved amended Consent Agenda (unanimous)

County Board

The Board approved a telecommunications grant and several local licenses for gambling and liquor. They also authorized a server purchase for logging software and low bids for facility repairs at the jail and CVS South.

• Approved Liquor License Renewals (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 06-20-23-01 granting Milaca Fire Relief a raffle permit (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 06-20-23-02 granting Rum River Trail Association a 4-day temporary liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a new server for Logging Software (unanimous)
• Authorized acceptance of the Benton Telecommunications Grant (unanimous)
• Approved low bids for CVS South Curbline and Jail Roof Drain repairs (unanimous)

County Board

The Board of Appeal and Equalization reviewed several property value appeals. The board voted to adjust values for six specific properties based on assessor recommendations and evidence.

• Reduced value by $5,000 for Sean Bradshaw's property (4-1)
• Approved Assessor's recommended adjustment for Todd McKee's property (unanimous)
• Approved $0 adjustment for Charles Ebner's property (unanimous)
• Approved Assessor's recommended adjustment for BHunter Properties LLC's property (unanimous)
• Approved Assessor's recommended adjustment for Mr. and Mrs. Polinder's property (unanimous)
• Approved Assessor's recommended adjustment for Harold Nelson's property (unanimous)

County Board

The County Board approved a request for an advance of state aid construction funds to support two highway projects. Other key actions included approving a land transfer to South Harbor Township and adopting a performance measurement program.

• Adopted Resolution 06-06-23-04 to request $3,964,673.00 in state aid construction funds (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 06-06-23-02 to grant South Harbor Township a conditional use deed for parking (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 06-06-23-03 for the Performance Measurement Program (Unanimous)
• Approved payment to counsel for legal services (4-1)
• Approved union contract Memorandums of Agreement (3-2)
• Approved revised Public Works/Highway Department 5-year Capital Road Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved Planning Commission recommendation (Unanimous)
• Approved acquisition of a totaled leased squad car from Enterprise Leasing (Unanimous)

County Board

The board meeting consisted primarily of departmental updates and public comment. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded other than the approval of the agenda.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

County Board

The County Board approved the use of eminent domain and quick-take procedures to acquire real property interests for the reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 1. Other approved actions included road striping bids and the sale of decommissioned vehicles.

• Approved Resolution 05-16-23-01 to acquire property via eminent domain for CSAH 1 reconstruction (unanimous)
• Approved bid for 2023 roadway striping (unanimous)
• Approved sale of decommissioned sheriff's vehicles, abandoned vehicles, and snow plow (unanimous)
• Approved Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Grant (unanimous)
• Approved SMF Project Contracts (unanimous)
• Approved Liquor License Renewals (unanimous)

County Board

The Board authorized Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, Inc. to administer a state homeless prevention program. Several construction contracts for the South Maintenance Facility were approved, and a zoning amendment for two parcels was granted with specific conditions.

• Adopted Resolution 04-18-23-01 authorizing Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, Inc. to administer the MN Housing Finance Agency’s Family Homeless Prevention & Assistance Program (Unanimous)
• Approved CUP Amendment for parcels 05-804-0930 and 05-804-0931 with parking, noise, and drainage conditions (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a copier for the PSAP department (Unanimous)
• Approved low proposal from APX Construction Group, LLC and Midwest Steel Erectors for South Maintenance Facility Wash Bay building (Unanimous)
• Approved low proposal from Efficient Foam, Inc. for South Maintenance Facility Office Area Spray Foam (Unanimous)
• Approved low proposal from BOE Iron, Inc. for South Maintenance Facility Metal Works (Unanimous)
• Approved position descriptions for County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer (Unanimous)

County Board

The County Board will meet to discuss administrative appointments, wage scales, and land services. Key items include the adoption of a comprehensive watershed management plan and disaster abatement requests.

• Resolution 04-04-23-02: Adopting the Snake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
• Local Option Disaster Abatement for PID 24-040-2910, PID 24-561-0130, and PID 02-023-1101
• Resolution 04-04-23-03: County Attorney Appointment
• 2023 Attraction and Retention Memorandum of Agreements with Bargaining Units
• Updated Non-Union Wage Scales

The County Board appointed a new County Attorney and adopted the Snake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. The board also approved a gambling permit for the Garrison Commercial Club and updated wage scales for non-union employees.

• Appointed Erica Madore as County Attorney with a 2023 salary of $98,376.71 (Unanimous)
• Adopted the Snake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved gambling permit for Garrison Commercial Club at Little White Fish Resort & Cafe (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Attraction and Retention Memorandum of Agreements with Bargaining Units (Unanimous)
• Approved updated 2023 and new 2024 non-union wage scales (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to prepare a letter of support for the Central Minnesota Council on Aging (Unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft proposed conditions for Planning Commission recommendations for review on April 18 (Unanimous)

County Board

The County Board will meet to discuss a comprehensive watershed management plan for the Snake River and opioid settlement agreements. The board is also reviewing a proposal for a new roof on the Community and Veterans Services Building and road maintenance bids.

• Resolution 03-21-23-01: Snake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
• Resolution 03-21-23-02: Opioid Settlement Agreements
• Proposal for a new roof on the Community and Veterans Services Building
• Liquor License for Little Whitefish Cafe LLC
• Request to seek bids for road maintenance

The County Board adopted resolutions to participate in multistate opioid settlement agreements and to designate Erica Madore to temporarily lead the County Attorney's office. The Board also approved a new roof for the Community and Veterans Services Building and a temporary MNDOT easement.

• Adopted Resolution 03-21-23-02 to participate in multistate opioid settlement agreements (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 03-21-23-03 authorizing Erica Madore to temporarily perform duties of the County Attorney (Unanimous)
• Approved $123,821.00 contract with All Elements Inc. for a new roof on the Community and Veterans Services Building (Unanimous)
• Approved temporary MNDOT easement (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to solicit bids for road maintenance (Unanimous)
• Tabled Snake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan until April 4, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Tabled Planning Commission recommendations until April 4, 2023 (Unanimous)

County Board

The Board approved a kennel license application and updated the county's procurement and personnel policies. Other actions included accepting the County Attorney's resignation and authorizing a grant application for failing septic systems.

• Approved kennel license application with conditions for site inspection and financial assurance
• Approved revised Procurement Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Personnel Policy revisions including Crown Act and Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 03-07-23-01 granting a charitable gambling permit to Ducks Unlimited
• Approved Resolution 03-07-23-02 classifying tax forfeited parcels as non-conservation lands
• Authorized Land Services Department to apply for MPCA Replacing Failing Septic Systems Grant
• Accepted resignation of County Attorney Joe Walsh effective March 1, 2023
• Approved equipment trailer purchase for $12,803.63

County Board

The County Board approved two resolutions supporting Federal Recreational Trail Program grant applications for snowmobile equipment. The Board also approved a PERA health insurance appeal for a former employee and appointed a new alternate to the Law Library Board.

• Approved PERA health insurance appeal for former employee Dan Mott and retained Tim Jung's services (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 02-21-23-02 supporting Drift Skippers FRTP grant application (unanimous, Commissioner Oslin abstained)
• Adopted Resolution 02-21-23-03 supporting Rum River SnoRiders FRTP grant application (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Reynolds as alternate to the Law Library Board (unanimous)
• Tabled Snake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan until March 7, 2023 (unanimous)
• Tabled billboard leases until March 7, 2023 (unanimous)

County Board

The County Board approved a broadband grant match and appointed Lisa Olson as County Assessor. The board also cancelled two contracts for deed due to payment defaults and approved several equipment and signage purchases. County Attorney Joe Walsh presented his intent to resign.

• Approved $19,400 match for East Central Energy Broadband Project (3-1)
• Appointed Lisa Olson as County Assessor (unanimous)
• Cancelled contract for deed for 800 Main Street West, Onamia (unanimous)
• Cancelled contract for deed for 187 Fredrick Street, Foreston (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Sheriff/Jail Field Training Software from MdE Inc (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of WatchGuard Firebox and staff computers (unanimous)
• Approved recruitment for Deputy Assessor and Family Home Visiting Coordinator (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of snow blower and MOU with MN4WDA (unanimous)

County Board

The Board approved resolutions to appeal a summary judgment in a federal lawsuit and to continue the defense and indemnification of the County Sheriff and County Attorney. Both resolutions passed with a 4-1 vote.

• Adopted Resolution 01-31-23-01 to authorize Nolan, Thompson, Leighton & Tataryn PLC to initiate an appeal in Court File No. 17-cv-5155 (4-1)
• Adopted Resolution 01-31-23-02 to continue defending and indemnifying the County Sheriff and County Attorney on appeals related to Court File No. 17-cv-5155 (4-1)

County Board

The County Board adopted a resolution to use American Rescue Plan funds for payroll expenses and appointed Doug Hansen as County Recorder. The board also approved a land rezone and classified 50 tax-forfeited parcels as non-conservation.

• Adopted Resolution 01-17-23-01 to utilize $5,089,696.65 in ARP funds for 2022 payroll costs (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 01-17-23-02 appointing Doug Hansen as County Recorder effective Feb 6, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Classified 50 tax-forfeited parcels as non-conservation and combined 15 parcels into 7 (Unanimous)
• Approved rezone of Parcel 13-023-0100 to Agricultural Residential (Unanimous)
• Approved Letter of Support for Highway 23 coalition (Unanimous)
• Approved MOU with LELS regarding Recoupment of VEBA Contributions (Unanimous)
• Approved revised Land Services Director position description (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda as amended (Unanimous)

County Board

The Board elected Commissioner Peterson as Chair and Commissioner Oslin as Vice-Chair. Several resolutions were adopted to authorize the County Administrator's payment powers and establish departmental change funds. The Board also approved multiple contracts with Electro Watchman, Inc. for door and camera system upgrades.

• Elected Commissioner Peterson as Board Chair (3-2)
• Elected Commissioner Oslin as Board Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Appointed David Enblom as County Engineer for a one-year term (unanimous)
• Authorized County Administrator to approve specific claims for payment (unanimous)
• Established change funds for Auditor-Treasurer ($500), Sheriff's Office ($250), Recorder ($100), Zoning ($100), and CVS ($50) (unanimous)
• Designated Union Times as official newspaper and Mille Lacs Messenger for delinquent tax lists (unanimous)
• Approved multiple security and camera system quotes from Electro Watchman, Inc. totaling $456,046.60 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of DebtBook lease management software pending attorney changes (unanimous)