Polk County public meetings in 2025

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will review cases, claims, and the budget. The board will discuss the Tri-Valley Transportation contract and family-based services. A request for a Social Worker replacement will be referred to the County Board.

• Tri-Valley Transportation contract review
• Family Based Services discussion
• Social Worker replacement request referred to County Board
• Truancy and educational neglect update
• MFIP/DWP program review

The Social Services Board approved the November 18, 2025 meeting minutes and the agenda for the December 16, 2025 meeting, each by unanimous vote. The Board also approved the Cases and Claims for administration ($179,901.14), Medicare Part B ($7,585.00), and employee & board ($1,726.56), along with associated warrants for payment, all by unanimous vote.

• Approved November 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved December 16, 2025 meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims totaling $179,901.14 administration, $7,585.00 Medicare Part B, $1,726.56 employee & board (unanimous)
• Approved warrants for payment on 12/19/2025 as listed (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board approved its agenda and consent items unanimously, accepted a $1,000 donation for the Sheriff’s Office, reappointed Cody Benson to the Red River Valley Development Association and Len Vonasek to the Planning Commission, approved a 2026 Dodge RAM lease and a preliminary plat for the Clark Nelson Addition, and granted a conditional use permit to Nicole Roed for a rental storage facility with conditions.

• Approved December 16, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent items including warrants and payments (unanimous)
• Accepted $1,000 donation for Sheriff’s Office (4‑0 vote)
• Reappointed Cody Benson to Red River Valley Development Association (unanimous)
• Reappointed Len Vonasek to Planning Commission for three‑year term (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Dodge RAM 1500 lease through Enterprise Fleet Management (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary plat for “Clark Nelson Addition” with conditions (unanimous)
• Granted conditional use permit to Nicole Roed for rental storage building (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold a hearing on three items. First, it will consider a preliminary and final plat for Wolfe Clark to re‑plat the Clark Nelson Addition lot line adjustment at 43679 102nd Ave SW, Fertile. Second, it will review a conditional use permit application from Nicole Roed for a rental storage facility on parcel 32.00109.00 near 23587 240th Ave SW, Crookston. Third, it will consider a conditional use permit for a 355‑foot cell tower proposed by Karl Gerber of Buell Consulting for Tillman Infrastructure on parcel 62.00027.00 in Section 7, Township 148N, Range 46W.

• Preliminary/Final plat for Wolfe Clark, 43679 102nd Ave SW, Fertile – lot line adjustment for Clark Nelson Addition (parcels #28.00347.00 and #28.00348.00)
• Conditional Use Permit for Nicole Roed, 23587 240th Ave SW, Crookston – rental storage facility on parcel 32.00109.00
• Conditional Use Permit for Karl Gerber, Buell Consulting, on behalf of Tillman Infrastructure – 355‑foot cell tower on parcel #62.00027.00 (NE¼ Section 7, Township 148N, Range 46W)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board unanimously approved several items, including a $39,015.50 SHI quote to replace the county’s NVR and $527,998 from the opioid settlement fund for twelve applicants. It also appointed new Public Health Youth Advisory Board members and authorized a lease with the University of Minnesota Extension Services in McIntosh. Additional approvals covered a 2026 tractor rental rate of $25 per hour, a revised 2025 road restriction map for Vineland Township, and multiple auditor warrants.

• Approved $39,015.50 SHI quote to replace county NVR (unanimous)
• Approved $527,998 opioid settlement fund allocation for 12 applicants (unanimous)
• Appointed nine members to the Public Health Youth Advisory Board (unanimous)
• Authorized lease between Polk County and University of Minnesota Extension Services for McIntosh (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 tractor rental rate of $25 per hour for 500 hours (unanimous)
• Approved revised 2025 Road Restriction Map for Vineland Township roads (unanimous)
• Approved MNDOT detour agreement authorizing Chair and Administrator to sign (unanimous)
• Approved auditor warrants totaling $2,201,022.93 for 11/04/2025 and $280,559.49 for 11/05/2025 (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will approve the meeting agenda and minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. It will discuss case and claim reviews, personnel matters, and the upcoming budget. Contracts will be reviewed by Social Services Manager Victoria Ramirez as referred by the County Board.

• Approve current agenda
• Approve minutes of October 21, 2025 meeting
• Review cases and claims
• Personnel discussion
• Budget review

The board unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes, the November 18 agenda, and a large batch of cases and claims totaling over $1.5 million, including payroll, vendor payments, and intergovernmental transfers. The director reported the end of probationary periods for four social workers and reviewed budget reports. Several 2026 contracts and agreements were reviewed and referred to the County Board for approval.

• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 18, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved cases and claims totaling $1,548,000+ (unanimous)
• Referred 2026 contracts and agreements to County Board for approval

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board will consider the meeting agenda and review the November 18 packet. No other items are listed for discussion or decision. This is a standard procedural item.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-68, joining the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance and urging repeal of the state's moratorium on nuclear energy production. The board also approved multiple contracts, including a $555,757 MFIP contract with DEED, and tabled a motion on County Attorney wages to December 2, 2025.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-68 urging repeal of Minnesota's nuclear moratorium (4-0)
• Approved Minnesota Paid Leave Policy effective 1/1/2026 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 MFIP contract with DEED for $555,757 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 contract with Village Family Service Center for $30,000 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Tri-Valley Family Resource Center and Housing contract for $185,373.21 (unanimous)
• Approved filling open Social Worker and Telecommunicator positions (unanimous)
• Tabled County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney salary changes to Dec. 2, 2025 (3-1)
• Approved two-year lease extension with Alluma in EGF building (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions. Further details are contained in the referenced november 4 packet.pdf.

The Polk County Board unanimously approved a State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement to access the state criminal‑justice data communications network. It also appointed Commissioner Reese to the Lake Agassiz Regional Library board and re‑appointed two members to the Marshall & Polk Rural Water System board. Additional unanimous approvals included staffing positions, a BNSF easement payment, DNR trail sponsorship, a roll‑off hauling contract extension, and MPCA grant change orders.

• Approved State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement for Sheriff and County Attorney (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Reese to Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board (unanimous)
• Re‑appointed Dan Driscoll to Marshall & Polk Rural Water System Board (unanimous)
• Appointed Jon W. Nelson to Marshall & Polk Rural Water System Board (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 payment for BNSF easement and filing fee (unanimous)
• Approved Polk County as legal sponsor for DNR Trail Assistance Program FY 2026‑2027 (unanimous)
• Approved 1‑year extension of roll‑off hauling contract with Lenes Sand & Gravel (unanimous)
• Approved MPCA grant change orders totaling $293,122.50 (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold a hearing to consider a variance application from Samuel Halley on behalf of Halley Properties LLC. The request seeks to reduce setbacks from a property lot line and a dwelling to allow for a septic holding tank installation.

• Variance request to reduce setbacks from 10 feet to 4 feet for a 6’ wide septic holding tank at 14289 Maple Inn Rd SE, Mentor

The Board of Adjustment approved the minutes from the July 25, 2025 meeting, with all members in favor. It then approved Samuel Halley's variance request to install a holding‑tank septic system only 4 ft from the lot line and structure, applying the staff‑recommended conditions. Both actions passed with unanimous support (30 yes, 0 no).

• Approved July 25, 2025 Board of Adjustment minutes (all in favor)
• Approved variance for septic tank placement with staff conditions (30 yes, 0 no)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold hearings for several land-use requests. This includes a proposal to rezone 5 acres for a cannabis growing facility and requests for conditional use permits for a home business and septic work.

• Rezoning of 5 acres from Agricultural to Commercial at 33274 155th Ave SE, Mentor
• Conditional Use Permit for K.P.B. Cultivation LLC to operate a Micro-Business cannabis growing facility at 33274 155th Ave SE, Mentor
• Conditional Use Permit for a 628 sq ft addition for a woodworking home-based business at 41767 270th Ave SE, Winger
• Conditional Use Permit for Halley Properties LLC to tie an accessory structure to a septic holding tank at 14289 Maple Inn Rd SE, Mentor

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board unanimously accepted Commissioner Mark Holy’s resignation and approved the 2026 meeting schedule, removing the December 22 meeting. It also approved numerous 2026 social‑services contracts, ditch maintenance work in SD 61 and CD 30, and began the hiring process for a custodian. The Board adopted Resolution 2025‑59 to support modifications to water‑district boundaries and acknowledged receipt of the 2024 audited financial statements.

• Accepted Commissioner Mark Holy’s resignation (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule, removing Dec 22 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved multiple 2026 social‑services contracts, including $5,000 for Angela Holloway and $80,995 for REM (unanimous)
• Approved ditch maintenance work in SD 61 and CD 30, naming Engineer Richard Sanders (unanimous)
• Approved beginning the hiring process for a custodian position (unanimous)
• Formally acknowledged receipt of the 2024 audited financial statement (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑59 to support water‑district boundary modifications (unanimous)
• Approved payment to US Bank of $75,363.28 for procurement card purchases (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will approve its agenda and the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting. It will review case and claim files, discuss personnel matters, and consider the department budget. Contracts will be reviewed by Victor Ramirez, and program updates will be presented. An award will be recognized for Victoria Ramirez, Social Services Manager.

• Approve current agenda
• Approve minutes of the September 16, 2025 meeting
• Review and discuss the department budget
• Review contracts as referred to Victor Ramirez
• Present program information on eligibility worker recognition, family investment, emergency assistance, and upcoming legislative changes

The Social Services Board approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting, the agenda for the October 21, 2025 meeting, and the listed Cases and Claims for payment. All three motions passed with a unanimous vote. The board also referred several upcoming service contracts to the County Board for further action.

• Approved September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 21, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims for payment (unanimous)
• Referred upcoming service contracts to County Board (no vote recorded)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board will conduct its regular agenda and review the October 7 meeting packet. No specific policy decisions, contracts, or hearings are listed on the agenda. The meeting appears to be procedural in nature.

The Polk County Board unanimously approved several 2026 levy and budget items, including a $3,371,963.46 watershed levy. It also adopted a tariff allowance of up to $230,530 for robotic sorting equipment and approved a three‑party rail‑spur agreement with BNSF and Fosston Co‑Op. Additional approvals covered a preliminary plat, a family‑based service provider position, and various special assessments.

• Approved Watershed Levy requests for 2026 ($3,371,963.46) – unanimous
• Approved NWRDC and HRA levy requests for 2026 ($462,748.00) – unanimous
• Approved Maple Lake Improvement budget ($73,300.00) and Union Lake Sarah Improvement District budget ($12,500.00) – unanimous
• Approved Ambulance Districts special assessment requests for 2026 – unanimous
• Approved Preliminary Plat for "Conner Addition" with conditions – unanimous
• Approved filling the open Family Based Service Provider position – unanimous
• Approved tariff amount up to $230,530.00 for robotic sorters – unanimous
• Approved three‑party agreement for Fosston Co‑Op rail spur – unanimous

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold three hearings on September 26, 2025. It will review a preliminary/final plat for the Conner Addition at 12858 Bl Maple St SE, Mentor, MN. It will consider a rezoning request to change 5 acres at 33274 155th Ave SE, Mentor, MN from Agricultural to Commercial. It will also consider a Conditional Use Permit for K.P.B. Cultivation LLC to operate a micro‑business cannabis growing facility on the same 5‑acre parcel.

• Preliminary/Final PLAT for Brad and Chris Conner’s “Conner Addition” at 12858 Bl Maple St SE, Mentor, MN
• Rezoning application by Cody Parr to change 5‑acre parcel at 33274 155th Ave SE, Mentor, MN from Agricultural to Commercial zoning
• Conditional Use Permit application by K.P.B. Cultivation LLC for a micro‑business cannabis growing facility on the same 5‑acre parcel

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 22, 2025 meeting. It then voted to recommend approval of the Conner Addition preliminary plat with staff recommendations as the final plat. The cannabis‑related rezoning request for parcel 32.00181.00 was heard, but no vote or decision was recorded. All other items were procedural.

• Approved August 22, 2025 Planning Commission minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Conner Addition preliminary plat with staff recommendations (unanimous)
• No decision made on rezoning request for parcel 32.00181.00 (cannabis micro‑business)

Board of Commissioners

The Board accepted a $1,000 donation from the Polk County Fair Board for the Sheriff’s Office. It awarded the demolition contract for the tax‑forfeit home at 117 Washington Ave to Lyle Wilkens Inc. for $19,749, approved the final plat for the Chalet Estates subdivision, and approved a $23,940 change order for the Crookston Transfer Station concrete pad. Finally, it set the preliminary 2026 property tax levy at $29,675,137, a 4.5% rise, and scheduled the budget public hearing for Dec. 2, 2025.

• Accepted $1,000 donation for Sheriff’s Office (3-0)
• Awarded demolition bid to Lyle Wilkens Inc. for $19,749 (3-0)
• Approved final plat for Chalet Estates subdivision (3-0)
• Approved $23,940 change order for Crookston Transfer Station concrete work (3-0)
• Set preliminary 2026 property tax levy at $29,675,137 (+4.5%) (3-0)
• Scheduled 2026 budget public hearing for Dec 2, 2025 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved the September 17 agenda by unanimous vote. All 2026 department budgets were reviewed and discussed, but no approvals were recorded. A draft resolution on the preliminary 2026 property tax levy was presented for discussion only. The meeting was adjourned with the next session scheduled for September 23, 2025.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting and scheduled next meeting for Sep 23, 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Board adopted a resolution establishing the 2026 solid waste market price at $29.06 per ton. It also approved several contracts and payments, including a $141,872.21 purchase from Spaleck USA, a $13,207 retainage release for Landfill Phase 15, and a snow‑removal contract with JD Construction. The Opioid Settlement RFP timeline and an $8,000 documentary video bid were approved, and the Third‑Party Custodian Agreement with Old National Bank was adopted.

• Adopted 2026 MSW market price $29.06 per ton (4-0)
• Approved release of $13,207 retainage for Landfill Phase 15 (unanimous)
• Approved $141,872.21 payment to Spaleck USA LLC for fines screen (unanimous)
• Approved snow‑removal contract for county facilities with JD Construction through May 31 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Opioid Settlement Round 2 RFP process and timeline (unanimous)
• Approved $8,000 In‑Progress bid for Opioid Settlement documentary video (unanimous)
• Approved Third‑Party Custodian Agreement with Old National Bank (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $94,997.22 to US Bank for procurement card purchases (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will approve the current agenda and the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. It will review cases and claims, and discuss two personnel reclassifications: one Social Worker position to a Social Services Supervisor role and one Child Support Officer position to a Financial Assistance Supervisor role. The board will also consider the proposed 2026 budget presented by the director and staff.

• Approve current agenda
• Approve minutes of the August 19, 2025 meeting
• Reclassify an open Social Worker position to Social Services Supervisor
• Reclassify an open Child Support Officer position to Financial Assistance Supervisor
• Review and discuss the 2026 proposed budget (PowerPoint presentation)

The Social Services Board approved the minutes from the August 19 meeting and the agenda for the September 16 meeting, each by unanimous vote. The Board also approved the listed cases and claims payments and a series of vendor payment warrants, all unanimously. Personnel updates were noted, including a resignation and probationary completions, but no vote was recorded on the proposed reclassifications.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 16, 2025 meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims payments: Administration $39,474.24, Employee & Board ACH $1,823.35, Medicare Part B $7,862.50 (unanimous)
• Approved vendor warrant to Dahl Funeral Home $2,650.00 (unanimous)
• Approved vendor warrant to DHS‑SWIFT $12,399.33 (unanimous)
• Approved vendor warrant to ENTERPRISE FM TRUST $16,457.23 (unanimous)
• Approved vendor warrant to Verizon Wireless $4,076.87 (unanimous)
• Approved vendor warrant to WEX Bank $2,591.48 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a reallocation of $1,461,298 from the Adult Mental Health Initiative and $431,080 from the Community Support Plan within the existing 2025 contract budget. It also approved several other items, including a $21,740 concrete repair contract for the Crookston Transfer Station, a $15,788.53 limited site investigation of a waste‑oil spill, and the renewal of the Inter‑County Community Council Head Start services contract at $69 per hour. Additional actions included approving a NACo transportation support letter, authorizing redetermination of benefits for county drainage systems with a future public meeting, and adopting various zoning resolutions and appointments.

• Reallocated $1,461,298 AMHI and $431,080 CSP funds (unanimous)
• Approved $21,740 concrete repairs at Crookston Transfer Station (unanimous)
• Approved $15,788.53 limited site investigation of waste oil spill (unanimous)
• Renewed Inter‑County Community Council Head Start contract at $69/hr (unanimous)
• Approved NACo transportation support letter, Chair to sign (unanimous)
• Approved redetermination of benefits for drainage groups 2‑4 with public‑meeting condition (unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary Plat for “Chalet Estates” with conditions (3‑1)
• Appointed Len Vonasek to Board of Adjustment (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold hearings to review a residential plat for 'Chalet Estates' and a conditional use permit for a septic system. These decisions affect land use and development in Mentor and Fertile.

• Preliminary/Final Plat for 'Chalet Estates' to create 2 residential lots and a private roadway (parcel 28.00254.02)
• Conditional Use Permit for a septic system for an accessory structure at 14707 Maple Inn Rd SE (parcel 74.00954.00)

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 25, 2025 meeting. A motion to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit for parcel #74.00954.00 on Maple Lake, with staff‑recommended conditions, carried unanimously. The recommendation will be forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners on September 2, 2025. No formal vote was recorded on the Chalet Estates plat proposal.

• Approved July 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit for parcel #74.00954.00 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The board unanimously approved filling the vacant social worker position and any subsequent internal vacancies. It also voted to terminate the county’s contract with UCARE for MSHO/MSC+ care‑coordination services effective Dec 31 2025. Additional unanimous actions included approving a $34,500 design‑engineering fee for the jail water‑heater upgrade, a one‑year audit extension at $143,000, and a $92,732.51 payment to US Bank. The board also approved the listed commissioner warrants and discussed upcoming budget and facility requests.

• Approved filling open Social Worker position (unanimous)
• Approved termination of UCARE contract for MSHO/MSC+ services effective Dec 31 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved $34,500 design‑engineering fee for jail water‑heater upgrade (unanimous)
• Approved one‑year audit extension with Hoffman, Philipp & Martell at $143,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $92,732.51 payment to US Bank for procurement card purchases (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and consent items for August 19, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved commissioner warrants for multiple fund allocations (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will review cases, claims, and budget items. The board will receive information regarding a request to terminate the UCare contract for MSHO/MSC+ products effective December 31, 2025.

• Request to terminate UCare contract for MSHO/MSC+ products effective December 31, 2025
• Social Worker Replacement Request
• Child Support updates
• Legislative updates

The Social Services Board approved the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes and the August 19, 2025 agenda, each by unanimous vote. It also approved the listed Cases and Claims. In addition, the Board approved multiple payment warrants totaling $330,925.12, also unanimously.

• Approved July 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 19, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims list (unanimous)
• Approved payment warrants totaling $330,925.12 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board elected Commissioner Joan Lee as Chair and Commissioner Warren Strandell as Vice‑Chair. It approved several resolutions including rezoning land for a treatment facility, a large‑gathering permit, a $90,400 payment for a Pictometry flyover, participation in national opioid settlement agreements, and a joint powers agreement for the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Additional actions approved hiring for public health and clerk positions, a $5‑per‑hour shift differential for correctional health staff, and travel and compliance fund expenditures.

• Elected Joan Lee as Chair of the Board (unanimous)
• Elected Warren Strandell as Vice‑Chair of the Board (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑49 to rezone parcel #45.00010.04 to commercial for Center for Hope Treatment Facility (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑50 granting Large Gathering Permit to River Bottom LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $90,400 payment for 2025 Pictometry flyover (unanimous)
• Approved participation in national opioid settlement agreements and authorized Attorney Greg Widseth to sign (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑51 joint powers agreement for Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (unanimous)
• Approved $5.00/hr shift differential for correctional health positions (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold a hearing to consider an after-the-fact variance application. The request is to reduce the setback from Maple Lake from 65 feet to 55 feet.

• Variance request for a 14’ x 15’ enclosed porch at 12842 Maple St SE, Mentor, MN

The Board elected Mike Powers as Chairman and Paul Jore as Vice‑Chairman, each unanimously. The Board also unanimously approved the minutes from the April 26 2024 meeting. Finally, the Board unanimously approved the after‑the‑fact variance for parcel #30.00450.00, adopting the staff‑recommended conditions.

• Mike Powers elected Chairman (all in favor)
• Paul Jore elected Vice‑Chairman (all in favor)
• Approved April 26 2024 Board of Adjustment minutes (all in favor)
• Approved after‑the‑fact variance for parcel #30.00450.00 with staff conditions (ayes: all, nays: none)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold hearings regarding a rezoning request for a residential treatment center and a permit for a large gathering. These decisions affect land use and event permitting within Polk County.

• Rezoning of a 5.66 acre parcel from Agricultural to Commercial for a behavioral/substance use residential treatment center (parcel #45.00010.04)
• Large Gathering Permit application for an August 31, 2025 event at Maple Lake Pavilion, 15545 Sandy Beach Rd SE, Mentor, MN (parcel #32.00234.00)

The commission approved its June 27, 2025 minutes unanimously. In a public hearing, River Bottom LLC requested a Large Gathering Permit for the Famous Armadillos concert on August 31, 2025, and the staff and review panel recommended approval with specific conditions. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the staff recommendation and forward the permit to the County Board. A rezoning request for a 5.69‑acre parcel was presented, but no decision was recorded.

• Approved June 27, 2025 Planning Commission minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Large Gathering Permit for Famous Armadillos concert (unanimous)
• No decision made on rezoning request for parcel #45.00010.04

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board unanimously approved three 2026 tax levy petitions for the Sand Hill River Watershed District, a $135,870 purchase of a road spray system, a $522,200 purchase of a motor grader, and several other contracts and project approvals. All motions were adopted by unanimous vote of the three commissioners present.

• Approved 2026 General Tax Levy Petition #1 for SHRWD ($154,629.71) – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved 2026 General Tax Levy Petition #2 for SHRWD ($154,629.71) – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved 2026 General Tax Levy Petition #3 for SHRWD ($100,000.00) – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved purchase of road spray system from Norstar Industries, Inc. for $135,870.00 – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved purchase of motor grader from Ziegler of Crookston, MN for $522,200.00 – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved revised contract with H2Over Viewers, LLC and authorized Administrator to sign – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved $7,500 special project funding to Union Lake Sarah Improvement District for invasive species removal – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)
• Approved $20,450 concrete repairs at Crookston Transfer Station – unanimous (Reese, Strandell, Lee)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and all consent items, which included approving the July 1 minutes, a list of commissioner warrants, and an $83,674.02 payment to US Bank. The Board also unanimously approved filling a Family Based Service Provider position and authorized posting and hiring for the vacant Appraiser role. All actions were taken by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent items: July 1 minutes, commissioner warrants, and $83,674.02 US Bank payment (unanimous)
• Approved filling Family Based Service Provider position (unanimous)
• Authorized posting, advertising, and filling Appraiser vacancy (unanimous)
• Approved commissioner warrants (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will meet to conduct business including the review of cases, claims, and budget. The board will address a provider replacement request and receive updates on community engagement and fraud prevention.

• Family Based Services Provider Replacement Request
• IMPACT committee strategic plan update
• Crookston Latino Community Engagement Listening Session update
• Fraud Prevention updates

The board unanimously elected Commissioner Joan Lee as Chair, Commissioner Warren Strandell as Vice Chair, and Board Member Kathleen Twite as Secretary, all effective July 15, 2025. The board also approved the June 17 minutes, the July 15 agenda, and the Cases and Claims report.

• Elected Commissioner Lee as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Strandell as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Board Member Twite as Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 15, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims report (unanimous)
• Approved warrants for payment 7/18/2025 – total $50,810.02
• Approved warrants for payment 6/25/2025 – total $22,546.95

Board of Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved a series of actions, such as hiring Husch‑Blackwell LLP for solid‑waste legal work, adjusting steam billing for Minnesota Dehydrated Vegetable, and contracting a $26,685 re‑test of the Resource Recovery Facility. They also authorized disaster‑response staffing, allowed the county attorney to execute victim‑services agreements, appointed a member to the West Central Regional Water District board, and approved purchases for a truck‑mounted broom and low‑income septic system grants.

• Approved engaging Husch-Blackwell LLP for solid‑waste legal services (unanimous)
• Approved adjustment to MDV steam billing (unanimous)
• Approved re‑test of RRF Unit #2 by Elemental Air for $26,685 (unanimous)
• Approved expanding hours and leasing equipment for June 20 2025 disaster response (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑41 authorizing County Attorney to execute victim‑services agreements (unanimous)
• Appointed Paul Englestad to West Central Regional Water District Board (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of one truck‑mounted broom for $15,147.20 (unanimous)
• Approved multiple low‑income septic system grants (each $8,500‑$14,900) (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold hearings to consider three applications for conditional use permits. These requests involve the construction of accessory structures and the installation of a septic system.

• Conditional Use Permit for Daniel Gunter to build a 4,200 sq ft accessory structure (parcel #32.00170.01)
• Conditional Use Permit for Josh Kunz to connect a septic system to an accessory structure (parcel #30.00051.02)
• Conditional Use Permit for Dale & Colleen Bergeron for an accessory structure over 800 sq ft at 18213 Anderson Road SE (parcel #27.00250.00)

The Planning Commission approved the May 23 minutes by unanimous consent. It then unanimously voted to recommend approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Daniel Gunter’s 4,200‑sq‑ft accessory structure on parcel #32.00170.01 at Cable Lake, with staff‑proposed conditions. The recommendation will be forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners for a decision on July 1. No formal action was taken on the Josh Kunz parcel request.

• Approved May 23 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of CUP for parcel #32.00170.01 (unanimous)
• Staff recommended approval with 11 conditions (vegetation screening, impervious‑surface limit, septic compliance, etc.)
• Motion to recommend approval carried (all ayes, no nays)
• Recommendation to be presented to County Board on July 1
• No decision made on Josh Kunz parcel CUP request (discussion only)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board unanimously approved several items, including reallocating $2,384.40 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Sheriff’s Department payroll and adjusting the total ARPA allocation. It also approved the final plat for the First Re‑Subdivision of Northern Lights Addition and an interim use permit for Hawkinson Construction’s temporary asphalt batch plant. Additional actions included appointing a NACo voting delegate, authorizing a travel scholarship, and approving a donation of two portable gas generators.

• Reallocated $2,384.40 ARPA funds to Sheriff’s Department payroll (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for "First Re‑Subdivision of Northern Lights Addition" with conditions (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-38 granting interim use permit to Hawkinson Construction for temporary asphalt batch plant (unanimous)
• Appointed Richard Sanders as Polk County’s NACo Conference Designated Voting Delegate (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-37 accepting $750 travel scholarship for County Social Services (unanimous)
• Approved donation of two 1999 portable gas generators to local emergency entities, with sale option if unused (unanimous)
• Approved Full Disclosure Dissemination Agent Agreement with Northland Securities, Inc. (unanimous)
• Reauthorized Samuel Melbye as identified official for Education Identity and Access Management (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will meet to review cases, claims, personnel, and the budget. The board will also receive program updates regarding DEED, income maintenance, and APS/DAC changes.

• Review of cases and claims
• Budget review
• Board resolution accepting travel scholarship
• DEED update from Jason Pangiarella
• APS updates and DAC changes from Marni Kelly and Alicia Caputo

The Social Services Board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting and the agenda for the June 17, 2025 meeting, each by unanimous vote. The Board also unanimously approved the Cases and Claims payments, authorizing the specific amounts detailed in the minutes. No other substantive actions were decided during this session.

• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims payments as listed (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board adopted Resolution 2025‑34 updating the auditor warrant delegation and approved two payments of $3,989 and $56,400 for county purchases. It granted conditional use permits for two home‑based businesses and authorized hiring for two engineering technician positions. The Board also approved a $142,279.37 Mack truck purchase, awarded two bituminous overlay contracts totaling $5.8 M, and authorized an advance of up to $3,833,372.52 from the County State Aid Construction Fund.

• Approved Updated Auditor Warrant Listing (Resolution 2025‑34) – unanimous
• Approved payment of $3,989 to Brandner Printing – unanimous
• Approved payment of $56,400 to Sticky Construction Inc. – unanimous
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Abe Bontrager home‑based business – unanimous
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Dennis & Sherry Coauette septic system – unanimous
• Approved hiring for two Engineering Tech vacancies – unanimous
• Approved purchase of Mack truck for $142,279.37 – unanimous
• Approved advance of up to $3,833,372.52 from County State Aid Construction Fund – unanimous

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold two public hearings on May 23, 2025, to consider conditional use permit applications for septic system hookups and home-based shed/cabin construction businesses. Both hearings take place at 9:05 a.m. and 9:25 a.m. in the meeting room at Polk County Environmental Services, 320 Ingersoll Ave, Crookston.

• Conditional Use Permit for Dennis & Sherry Coauette to hook septic to accessory structure at 702 Thorndale Ave, Crookston (parcel #74-00736.00)
• Conditional Use Permit for Abe Bontrager (ABuilt Construction) to operate prefabricated shed and cabin business from accessory structure at 12005 440 St SE, Fertile (parcel #28.00203.01)

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the April 25 meeting. It then voted to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit for Dennis & Sherry Coauette’s septic system upgrade, attaching staff‑proposed conditions. The motion passed with all votes in favor and will be forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners on June 3. No decision was recorded for the Abe Bontrager application.

• Approved April 25 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Coauette Conditional Use Permit with staff conditions (unanimous)
• Motion to recommend approval carried (unanimous)
• Referral of Coauette CUP to County Board scheduled for June 3

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved several items, including staffing positions, contracts, and a new official newspaper. A resolution was adopted designating The Thirteen Towns as the county's official newspaper for the remainder of 2025. All actions were approved by unanimous vote or with all commissioners voting yes and none voting no.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent items, including multiple fund warrants and payments (unanimous)
• Approved filling open Community Service Officer position (unanimous)
• Approved DEED contract amendment for $577,772 (unanimous)
• Approved interim use permit for Krueger home‑based business (yeas: Strandell, Holy, Willhite, Lee; no nays)
• Approved purchase of $11,025 window blinds for Crookston Transfer Station (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution redesignating The Thirteen Towns as official newspaper (yeas: Strandell, Holy, Willhite, Lee; no nays)
• Approved draft County Investment Policy (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will review cases, claims, personnel, and the budget. The board will consider a contract with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for referral to the County Board. Staff will provide updates on the children's mental health program.

• Contract with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
• Children's mental health program updates
• Review of cases and claims
• Personnel and budget review

The Social Services Board approved the April 15 meeting minutes and the May 20 agenda, both by unanimous vote. It also approved the listed Cases and Claims, including employee, admin and Medicare expenses. Several warrants for payment to vendors and other counties were approved for amounts ranging from $551.08 to $129,691.88, all with unanimous support.

• Approved April 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims including Employee and Board $2,456.70, Admin $47,268.73, Medicare Part B $8,972.50, etc. (unanimous)
• Approved warrants for payment totaling $2,456.70 for 22 payments under $2,000 (unanimous)
• Approved warrants totaling $47,268.73 to multiple vendors (e.g., Amundson Funeral Home $2,650.00, DHS — SWIFT $18,227.99, Verizon Wireless $4,824.51) (unanimous)
• Approved warrant for $551.08 for Admin Special Run (unanimous)
• Approved warrants totaling $129,691.88 to several county social service agencies (unanimous)
• Approved contract amendment with DEED effective Jan‑1 to Dec‑31, 2025 (referred to County Board) (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved $50,000 from the opioid settlement fund for the New Americans Integration Center in East Grand Forks. It also approved several travel requests, permits, a $20,000 state grant, and administrative contracts, and adopted a wage grade change for the Finance Director. All motions passed with unanimous votes.

• Approved $50,000 from Opioid Settlement Fund for New Americans Integration Center (unanimous)
• Approved out-of-state travel for Veteran Service Officer to attend conference in Louisville, KY (unanimous)
• Approved out-of-state travel for Steve Moe to attend ESRI User Conference in San Diego, CA (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution (2025-26) Interim Use Permit for R.J. Zavoral & Sons Inc. temporary asphalt batch plant (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution (2025-27) Large Gathering Permit for River Bottom LLC at Maple Lake Pavilion (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution (2025-28) Termination of Recorded Resolution (2016-22) for parcel #27.00248.00 (unanimous)
• Approved MnDOT agreement #1059918 and $20,000 IIJA discretionary grant (unanimous)
• Approved UKG payroll and recruiting software subscription (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold hearings to review two permit applications. The body is considering a 10-year interim use permit for an industrial site and a one-day permit for a large gathering.

• Interim Use Permit for R.J. Zavoral & Sons Inc. for a temporary asphalt batch plant and contractor yard at 34508 ST HWY 92, Trail, MN
• Large Gathering Permit for Aimee Peterson for a May 25, 2025 event at Maple Lake Pavilion, 15545 Sandy Beach Rd SE, Mentor, MN

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 28, 2025 meeting. A motion to recommend approval of the large gathering permit for the Johnny Holm Band concert on May 25, 2025 at the Maple Lake Pavilion was carried with all ayes and no nays. Staff presented conditions for the permit, and the recommendation will be forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners on May 6, 2025. No decision was recorded on the interim use permit application for RJ Zavoral & Sons, Inc.

• Approved March 28, 2025 Planning Commission minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of large gathering permit for May 25 concert (all ayes, no nays)

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the April 15, 2025 Board minutes. It also approved the assessor’s abatement list, two memoranda of understanding to recruit and retain law‑enforcement deputies and sergeants, and seven licensure premium rates for solid‑waste employees. No other actions were taken.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved the April 15, 2025 Board minutes (unanimous)
• Approved the assessor’s abatement list (unanimous)
• Approved the MOU for recruiting and retention of LELS Deputies (unanimous)
• Approved the MOU for recruiting and retention of LELS Sergeants (unanimous)
• Approved seven licensure premium rates for Solid Waste Unit employees (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board unanimously adopted a resolution establishing a bridge replacement priority list and requesting funding for those projects. It also approved several contracts and grants, including a $2,226,844.10 highway grade‑widening contract, a $9,693 Boat and Water grant, and a three‑year Questica budgeting software agreement. Additional approvals covered a wellness coordinator position, a DEED contract amendment, a family‑support contract, and a resolution designating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

• Adopted resolution designating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved $9,693 MN Boat and Water Grant (unanimous)
• Approved DEED contract amendment for $23,149 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 contract with Angela Holloway for family‑support meetings (unanimous)
• Adopted Bridge Replacement Priority List resolution (unanimous 5‑0)
• Approved $2,226,844.10 contract for grade widening on CSAH 12 (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year Questica Budgeting Software agreement (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of 1.0 FTE Wellness Coordinator (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The board will discuss and possibly act on withdrawing from the merit system for personnel and terminating Samsha Grant funding. They will also receive updates on an Office Civil Rights Complaint and Child Protection Services, and review contracts referred to the County Board.

• Merit system withdrawal for personnel
• Samsha Grant funding termination
• Contract with Angela Holloway MA, LAAC for Family Support Meeting Facilitator (referred to County Board)
• Contract amendment with Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) (referred to County Board)
• Office Civil Rights Complaint Update from Director and Supervisor

The Social Services Board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 18 meeting and the agenda for the April 15 meeting. It also unanimously approved the Cases and Claims financial items listed in the agenda, followed by approval of several warrants for payment ranging from $1,321.00 to $61,878.03. Personnel status changes and contract referrals were noted but not decided at this meeting.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 15, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims financial items (unanimous)
• Approved warrant payment $1,321.00 (unanimous)
• Approved warrant payment $2,558.00 (unanimous)
• Approved warrant payment $1,776.12 (unanimous)
• Approved warrant payment $2,121.81 (unanimous)
• Approved warrant payment $61,878.03 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board approved several large highway contracts, transferred excess municipal funds to the regular construction account, and adopted multiple resolutions on land use and soil removal. It also approved hiring for public‑health positions, a software purchase, and a legal payment. All actions passed unanimously.

• Approved award of $165 per hour sweeper quote to Mathsen of Grand Forks (unanimous)
• Approved $2,020,319 contract to RJ Zavoral and Sons for CSAH 46 bituminous surfacing (unanimous)
• Approved $4,793,919.75 contract to Dustrol Inc for multiple CSAH surfacing projects (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑18 transferring $1,200,000 and $630,307.57 excess municipal funds to the Regular Construction Account (unanimous)
• Approved blanket Right‑of‑Way permit for blow (black) soil removal from county ditches (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑20 granting a Conditional Use Permit to Dragseth Farms for a custom animal butcher business (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑21 rezoning RZS Holdings property from agricultural to industrial (unanimous)
• Approved $101,067.63 payment to Tri‑County Community Corrections for legal expenses (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold three public hearings on March 28, 2025, to consider a Conditional Use Permit for a custom exempt butcher shop, a rezoning of 11.98 acres from Agricultural to Commercial, and a Conditional Use Permit for a 39-site RV campground. All hearings take place at Polk County Environmental Services in Crookston.

• Conditional Use Permit for Dragseth Farms Inc to operate a custom exempt butcher shop at 34146 320 Ave SW, Eldred (parcel #60.00116.01)
• Rezone application by Chris Ranten / RZS Holdings LLP to change an 11.98-acre parcel from Agricultural to Commercial near MN Trunk Highway 220 (parcel #09.00016.01)
• Conditional Use Permit for Andrew Lisoff to create and operate a 39 RV camper sites campground at 33016 155 Ave SE, Mentor (parcel #32.00182.00)

The Polk County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the County Board approve Dragseth Farms’ conditional use permit for a 50 × 80‑foot custom butcher shop, subject to staff‑recommended conditions. The commission also unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request to change an 11.98‑acre parcel in Bygland Township from Agricultural to Industrial, with the condition that Bygland Township sign off on all development permits. Both recommendations were forwarded to the County Board of Commissioners for action on April 1, 2025.

• Recommend approval of Dragseth Farms conditional use permit with staff conditions (vote 7‑0)
• Recommend approval of rezoning of 11.98‑acre parcel to Industrial, requiring Bygland Township sign‑off (vote 7‑0)

Board of Commissioners

The board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-17 amending the Land Use/Zoning Ordinance for cannabis zoning and land use, and required liability insurance for cannabis businesses matching liquor establishment requirements. They also approved Resolution 2025-18 transferring $1.2 million in excess municipal funds to the Regular Construction Account, and Resolution 2025-19 reallocating $144,000 in ARPA funds from the City of Fertile to Sheriff's Department payroll expenses. All votes were unanimous with no nays recorded.

• Approved Resolution 2025-17 amending cannabis zoning and land use (5-0)
• Approved requiring liability insurance for cannabis businesses (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-18 transferring $1.2M to Regular Construction Account (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-19 reallocating $144,000 ARPA funds to Sheriff's payroll (5-0)
• Approved $937,860 bid to Wm D. Scepaniak, Inc. for stabilized aggregate base (5-0)
• Approved $62,038.60 for network equipment replacement (5-0)
• Approved $6,200 contract with Anna Corona for cultural navigation services (5-0)
• Approved filling Social Worker-CPS and Finance Director vacancies (5-0)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will meet on March 18, 2025, to approve the agenda and minutes, review cases and claims, and discuss personnel items including a Social Worker-CPS replacement request referred to the County Board. The board will also consider an out-of-state travel request and a Cultural Navigation Services Contract, both referred to the County Board. Program updates from supervisors will be presented.

• Social Worker-CPS Replacement Request referred to County Board
• Out of state travel request for Victoria Ramirez referred to County Board
• Cultural Navigation Services Contract referred to County Board
• Staff recognition: Linda Emery special recognition award
• Social Worker Proclamation Month recognition with board members

The Polk County Social Services Board unanimously approved the minutes, agenda, and a list of cases and claims totaling over $1.4 million, including payroll, service payments, and warrants. Personnel changes were reported, including a new hire, a resignation, and end-of-probation periods. The board also signed a proclamation recognizing Social Worker Month and referred several items to the County Board.

• Approved minutes from February 18, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda for March 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved cases and claims totaling $1,436,000+ (unanimous)
• Approved warrants for publication for payments on 3/07, 3/12, and 3/21/2025
• Signed proclamation for National Social Worker Month
• Referred replacement for resigned social worker to County Board
• Referred out-of-state travel request for Victoria Ramirez to County Board
• Referred cultural service navigation agreement to County Board

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved $90,000 for the legal formation of the West Central Regional Water District, awarded multiple highway bids, and approved a final plat. All decisions were unanimous. The board also approved a courthouse facility dog application and several other routine items.

• Approved $90,000 for West Central Regional Water District legal formation (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for 'Nepper's Division' (unanimous)
• Awarded calcium chloride bid to Knife River Materials – North Central, $4,149,300 total (unanimous)
• Awarded route and seal bid to Asphalt Surface Technologies Corp., $196,800 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 equipment rental bids (unanimous)
• Approved county ditch maintenance work in CD 200 Old SD 61 (unanimous)
• Awarded motor grader quotes: RDO ($328,231) and Ziegler ($318,700) (unanimous)
• Approved application to 'Can Do Canines' for courthouse facility dog (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 28, 2025, to consider amendments to the county zoning ordinance that would add Section 26 to regulate cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas. The proposed ordinance, authorized by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342, limits retail cannabis registrations to at least one per 12,500 residents and allows the county to stop accepting new registrations once that threshold is met. Public comments can be submitted before or at the hearing.

• Public hearing on draft ordinance establishing Section 26 for cannabis businesses in unincorporated Polk County
• Retail cannabis registrations limited to at least one per 12,500 residents
• Meeting on February 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Polk County Environmental Services Building, 320 Ingersoll Ave, Crookston
• Draft ordinance available for review at Environmental Services or county website
• Written comments and questions may be directed to Zoning Administrator Jacob Snyder

Board of Commissioners

This meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners is solely procedural, consisting of the review and approval of the meeting agenda and supporting materials. No substantive decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Agenda and meeting materials review at 9:30 A.M.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved the agenda, consent items, and several contracts, including Microsoft licensing, ditch levy assessments, and multiple environmental services contracts for landfill and recycling projects. All votes were unanimous. The board also set the County Board of Equalization date for June 17, 2025.

• Approved agenda and consent items including warrants totaling over $600,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $191,727.96 annual Microsoft licensing (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 ditch levy assessments totaling $429,036.94 (unanimous)
• Approved Landfill Phase 15 retainage payment of $92,944.42 to R.J. Zavoral & Sons (unanimous)
• Approved $49,220 stack testing proposal from Elemental Air (unanimous)
• Approved $499,000 integration contract with Titus MRF Services for recycling grant (unanimous)
• Approved $481,627 bag opener purchase from Viably USA (unanimous)
• Approved $128,680 fines screen purchase from Spaleck USA (unanimous)

Social Services Board

The Social Services Board will meet to review cases, claims, and personnel matters. The agenda includes reports on legislative updates, budget status, and IM program updates.

• Review of cases and claims
• Legislative updates from Victoria Ramirez, Molly Paulsrud, and Marni Kelly
• IM program updates from Jon Street and Lacey Brodina
• Allocation and grants report from Victoria Ramirez
• Budget review

The board unanimously approved the January 20, 2025 meeting minutes, the February 18, 2025 agenda, and the Cases and Claims, which included warrants totaling $1,724.20 for publication and $97,446.43 in other payments. Personnel actions were reported, including probationary appointments and end-of-probation dates, but no votes were taken on them. The board also reviewed budget reports and discussed legislative updates.

• Approved January 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 18, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims including $1,724.20 in warrants for publication (unanimous)
• Approved $97,446.43 in other warrants for publication (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve the agenda and meeting materials. No other substantive items or decisions are listed on the agenda for this session.

• Approval of agenda and meeting materials (February 4 packet)

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items, including a conditional use permit for Dave Scherfenberg, a $23,205 network contract with Morris Electronics, a $54,630 JCI quote for door controllers, a $31,453.49 mower quote from Titan Machinery, and a $48,940 design contract with Widseth for multi-use trails. They also accepted a $250 donation for the Sheriff's Office, approved changes to the septic system fix-up program, and added lands to County Ditch 111. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved conditional use permit for Dave Scherfenberg (unanimous)
• Approved Morris Electronics network contract for $23,205 (unanimous)
• Approved JCI quote for Justice Center door controllers for $54,630 (unanimous)
• Approved Titan Machinery mower quote for $31,453.49 (unanimous)
• Approved Widseth contract for multi-use trail design for $48,940 (unanimous)
• Approved septic system fix-up program changes excluding dwelling value cap (unanimous)
• Approved adding lands to County Ditch 111 (unanimous)
• Approved sale of law enforcement squad unit #275 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Polk County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to regulate cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas, including a cap of one retail registration per 12,500 residents. The commission will also hear an after-the-fact conditional use permit application for a septic system hookup to an accessory structure on a specific parcel.

• After-the-fact conditional use permit for David & Cindy Scherfenberg to hook septic system to accessory structure at 11534 Fisher St. SE, Mentor (parcel #30.00297.00)
• Proposed Section 26 of zoning ordinance to regulate cannabis businesses in unincorporated Polk County
• Limit of one cannabis retail registration per 12,500 residents in the county
• Public hearings scheduled at 9:05 a.m. (septic permit) and 9:30 a.m. (cannabis ordinance) on January 24, 2025

The Polk County Planning Commission approved an after-the-fact Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a septic system tied to an accessory structure on a riparian parcel on Maple Lake, with conditions including removal of a smaller shed and a no-guest-house waiver. The commission also tabled a proposed ordinance amendment regarding cannabis businesses to allow for further notice and revisions, scheduling a public hearing for February 28, 2025.

• Approved after-the-fact CUP for septic tie-in on Scherfenberg parcel #30.00297.00 (all in favor)
• Tabled cannabis business ordinance amendment to Feb 28 hearing (all in favor)
• Elected Mike Powers as Chairperson (all in favor)
• Elected Paul Jore as Vice Chairperson (all in favor)
• Approved December 6, 2024 minutes (all in favor)

Board of Commissioners

This agenda contains only a single item: review and approval of the agenda and meeting materials. No substantive business, proposals, or public hearings are listed.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to serve as lead applicant for a RAISE grant to replace three bridges over the Red River of the North in Nielsville, Hendrum, and Georgetown, and approved a match assurance letter. The board also approved numerous routine items, including consent agenda, warrants, appointments, equipment purchases, and resolutions designating depositories and authorizing the county administrator to pay certain claims. All votes were unanimous with four members present; Commissioner Mark Holy was absent.

• Approved RAISE grant application for 3 Red River bridges (4-0)
• Approved Polk County Match Assurance Letter for RAISE grant (4-0)
• Approved $535,822.80 final contract amount for CSAH 5/CR 235 (4-0)
• Approved $114,622.57 CAT 906 purchase and $9,984.88 SETCO tires (4-0)
• Approved $26,304.74 Splunk purchase for data security (4-0)
• Approved appointments to Opioid Settlement Advisory Council (4-0)
• Approved $12,000 Blue Plus donation for youth programming (4-0)
• Approved resolution designating official depositories and authorized signers (4-0)

Social Services Board

The Polk County Social Services Board will meet to approve the agenda and December 2024 minutes, review cases and claims, and discuss personnel and budget matters. The board will also consider replacing a lay board member, which has been referred to the County Board. Additionally, staff will provide updates on CADI, Disability, AMH programs, and Allocation and Grants.

• Replacement of Social Services Board lay person referred to County Board
• Updates on CADI and Disability programs from Marni Kelly, Alicia Caputo, and Kristina Cowen
• Updates on AMH programs from Molly Paulsrud
• Allocation and Grants update from Victoria Ramirez
• Approval of December 17, 2024, meeting minutes

The board unanimously approved the December 17, 2024 minutes, the January 21, 2025 agenda, and the Cases and Claims totaling approximately $1.5 million, including payroll, medical insurance, and vendor payments. Personnel changes were reported, including a new hire and several status changes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved December 17, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved January 21, 2025 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Cases and Claims totaling $1,567,000+ (unanimous)
• Approved warrants for publication totaling $1,014.05 (payments under $2,000)
• Approved warrants for publication totaling $60,848.21 (including Enterprise FM Trust, MNCCC, Polk County, Stenshoel-Houske, Verizon)
• Approved warrants for publication totaling $15.00 (special run 12-20-24)
• Approved warrants for publication totaling $5,848.31 (including Dahl Funeral Home)
• Approved warrants for publication totaling $129,104.00 (including Assoc of MN Counties, Next Chapter Technology)

Board of Commissioners

The Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting agenda contains only procedural items and no substantive decisions or discussions. The provided packet includes only the agenda and meeting materials.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners held its organizational meeting, electing Mark Holy as Chair and Joan Lee as Vice-Chair. The board approved numerous routine items, including consent items, resolutions for tax abatements in East Grand Forks, and contracts for social services and solid waste. It also designated the McIntosh Times as the official newspaper and approved several resolutions related to federal transportation grants.

• Elected Mark Holy as Board Chair (3-2)
• Elected Joan Lee as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-03 accepting $100 donation to Sheriff's Office K-9 program (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-05 for property tax abatements in East Grand Forks totaling $6,279.58 (unanimous)
• Approved Local 49ers Solid Waste Management Collective Bargaining Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-01 designating McIntosh Times as official newspaper at $2.50/column inch (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-09 reallocating $176,400 in ARPA funds to Sheriff's Department payroll (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2025-06 and 2025-07 for Maple Lake/Mentor Multi-Use Trail project sponsorship (unanimous)