Carlton County public meetings in 2025

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on the consent agenda, approve the regular agenda, and consider several items including 2026 cigarette/tobacco license renewals, the apportionment of surplus tax‑forfeited revenues, and a $245,998 service agreement with Brightwater Health for Assertive Community Treatment. The board will also set 2026 salaries and per‑diem rates for several county officials and approve final transportation payments.

• Approve 2026 Cigarette/Tobacco Retail License Renewals
• Apportionment of surplus Tax Forfeited Revenues per Minnesota Statutes 282.08
• Brightwater Health ACT Agreement – purchase of services for $245,998
• Final Payment 009-661-030 and Final Payment 009-655-004 under Transportation
• Set 2026 salaries and per‑diem rates for County Sheriff, Agricultural Inspector, and other officials

The Commissioners unanimously approved a transfer of up to $90,000 from the Tax‑Forfeited Fund to the County Revenue Fund and directed the remaining receipts to be allocated 30% for timber development, 20% for parks and recreation, and the balance split 40% county general fund, 20% city/town and 40% school district. Additional approvals included a Brightwater Health contract for up to $328,593, final payment to Ulland Brothers for the TH‑210 project, and several personnel and technology actions.

• Approved transfer of up to $90,000 from Tax‑Forfeited Fund to County Revenue Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $328,593 Brightwater Health ACT contract (unanimous)
• Authorized $10,777.74 final payment to Ulland Brothers for TH‑210 improvements (unanimous)
• Renewed law enforcement contract with City of Carlton through 2028 (unanimous)
• Appointed Benjamin Anderson as County Surveyor for 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved $38,400 contract with Matthew Miller for child‑protection services (unanimous)
• Approved $8,512.20 Civic Plus public‑records software agreement (unanimous)
• Set 2026 County Commissioner salary at $28,273 and established per‑diem rates (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025 has been canceled. No agenda items will be considered at this time. For questions, contact the Zoning and Environmental Services office.

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on a service contract with Sara Bilyeu to provide guardianship and conservatorship services for indigent wards. The agreement runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027 and may cost up to $100,000 over two years. Other agenda items include a transportation LRIP sponsorship, an award contract (SAP 009-090-007/SP 0913-22), and two safety grant proposals for off‑highway vehicles and snowmobiles.

• Purchase of Service Contract with Sara Bilyeu – up to $100,000 for 2026‑2027
• Thomson LRIP application sponsorship (Transportation)
• Award Contract SAP 009-090-007/SP 0913-22
• Off‑Highway Vehicle Safety Grant
• Snowmobile Safety Grant

The commissioners approved the consent agenda, a guardianship contract for $200 per client, and awarded a $1,391,632.30 paving contract for TH 73 in Cromwell. They also adopted resolutions supporting the Township of Thomson and the City of Moose Lake in their Local Road Improvement Program applications. Additional actions included authorizing two DNR safety grants, renewing a criminal apprehension agreement, and approving a fire‑inspection service agreement.

• Approved consent agenda (all yea votes)
• Approved guardianship contract $200 per client (01/01/26‑12/31/27) (all yea votes)
• Approved award of $1,391,632.30 contract to Kiminski Paving Inc. for TH 73 project (all yea votes)
• Resolved to sponsor Thomson Township LRIP road improvement project (all yea votes)
• Resolved to sponsor Moose Lake City LRIP 1st Street Improvements project (all yea votes)
• Authorized $14,265.66 MN DNR OHV/ATV safety enforcement grant (all yea votes)
• Authorized $10,880.18 MN DNR Snowmobile safety enforcement grant (all yea votes)
• Approved Summit Companies fire‑alarm, sprinkler, and extinguisher inspection agreement $18,989 per year (all yea votes)

County Board of Commissioners

The County Board of Commissioners will host a Truth in Taxation public meeting to gather input on the proposed 2026 Budget and Levy. The board will review budget factors and levy comparisons by department. Final adoption of the budget and levy is scheduled for December 22, 2025.

• Review of the proposed 2026 Budget
• Review of the 2026 Levy Comparison by Department
• Discussion of property tax refunds, senior citizen deferrals, and renter's rebates
• Public comment period regarding the upcoming Tax Payable Year

Planning Commission

The Carlton County Planning Commission announced that the December 3, 2025 meeting will not be held. No agenda items, decisions, or public hearings will take place. Residents with questions should contact the Planning Commission office.

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to receive a presentation on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) by Houseal Lavigne. The presentation will review the planning timeline, expectations, and discuss community issues and opportunities. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting serves as an initial briefing for the advisory committee.

• Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) information and presentation by Houseal Lavigne

The board approved the meeting agenda by a unanimous yea vote. The meeting was then adjourned, also by unanimous yea vote. No substantive policy decisions were made during this special session.

• Approved meeting agenda (all yea votes)
• Adjourned meeting (all yea votes)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider two IT funding requests: one to spend $6,060 from the compliance fund for two GIS department computers, and another to fund a multi‑year cyber security package with 25% from the compliance fund and 75% from the Recorders Tech fund. The meeting also includes updates on economic development, transportation, and the Comprehensive Plan.

• IT Committee funding request – GIS computers, $6,060 from compliance fund
• IT Committee funding request – cyber security package, 25% compliance fund, 75% Recorders Tech fund
• Economic Development update
• Transportation update
• Comprehensive Plan update

The Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda and the November 4, 2025 minutes. It approved two IT Committee funding requests—for GIS department computers and a county cyber security package. The board also approved a three‑year renewal of the Microsoft 365 enterprise license and a request to add three full‑time equivalent staff positions. All motions were approved without recorded vote tallies.

• Approved agenda (motion by Zmyslony, second by Reed)
• Approved November 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Bodie, second by Zmyslony)
• Approved IT funding for GIS department computers (motion by Holmes, second by Bodie)
• Approved IT funding for county cyber security package (motion by Kyle, second by Zmyslony)
• Approved 3‑year Microsoft 365 license renewal (motion by Jesse, seconded by Buhs)
• Approved addition of 3 FTE staff positions (motion by Donna, second by Reed)

County Board of Commissioners

The board will consider awarding a contract to the University of Minnesota for a two‑year program evaluation under the RPI OJP grant, valued at $33,800. It will also discuss carrying over unspent trial fees to the 2026 budget, a variance request from the Solid Waste Ordinance, and two LRIP projects (Holyoke and Scanlon). Additional items include a Stonegarden grant and an AEOA lease.

• Contract with University of Minnesota for evaluation services – $33,800
• Trial Fees (6283) carry‑over request to 2026 budget
• Variance request from Solid Waste Ordinance (Rural Investment Properties LLC)
• Holyoke LRIP project
• Stonegarden grant

The Carlton County Board approved sponsorship of the North Holyoke Drive reconstruction project and the Tall Pine Lane project, both seeking LRIP funds. It also approved a lease renewal with Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, accepted a $128,700 state grant, and accepted a $1,000 donation for the Sheriff’s wellness program. The board denied a Solid Waste Ordinance variance request and the related letter of support.

• Approved LRIP sponsorship for North Holyoke Drive reconstruction (all yea votes)
• Approved LRIP sponsorship for Tall Pine Lane project in Scanlon (all yea votes)
• Approved renewal of lease with Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (all yea votes)
• Authorized acceptance of $128,700 Operation Stonegarden Grant (all yea votes)
• Accepted $1,000 donation from Moose Lodge 1274 for Sheriff’s Office wellness (all yea votes)
• Approved MOU with AFSCME Council 65 and IUOE 49 for 50% PFML premium contribution (all yea votes)
• Denied Solid Waste Ordinance variance request (all yea votes except Reed abstained)
• Denied letter of support for Solid Waste Ordinance request (all yea votes except Reed abstained)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a variance request submitted by Rural Investment Properties LLC concerning the use of tire‑derived aggregate as lightweight fill under County Ordinance 17. County staff will present details of the application, and members of the public may provide comments. The board will consider both oral and written comments before deciding on the variance.

• Variance request by Lucas Niemi/Rural Investment Properties LLC for tire‑shred fill at 3540 County Road 132, Kettle River, MN 55757
• Presentation by County staff on the variance application
• Public comment period for residents
• Acknowledgment of written comments submitted
• $46 recording fee may be assessed with the application

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment will conduct public hearings on four variance requests: VAR‑2025‑23 (Freyberg Lifetime Trust), VAR‑2025‑24 (Doug Weiser), VAR‑2025‑25 (Brett Paige), and VAR‑2025‑26 (Joshua Wekseth). The board will also approve the meeting minutes from October 21, 2025, and address routine administrative items. No other business is listed.

• Approve meeting minutes from October 21, 2025
• Legal advertisement published October 30, 2025 and in the Star Gazette (Nov 6, 2025) and Pine Knot News (Nov 7, 2025)
• Public hearing on VAR‑2025‑23 – Freyberg Lifetime Trust
• Public hearing on VAR‑2025‑24 – Doug Weiser
• Public hearing on VAR‑2025‑25 – Brett Paige

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment held a public hearing on four variance applications (VAR-2025-23, VAR-2025-24, VAR-2025-25, VAR-2025-26). Motions to approve findings of fact and to approve the variances with conditions were recorded, but the minutes do not provide clear vote totals or final approval/denial results. No other substantive business was decided.

• VAR-2025-23 – motion to approve findings of fact (outcome not specified)
• VAR-2025-23 – motion to approve variance with conditions (outcome not specified)
• VAR-2025-24 – motion to approve variance (outcome not specified)
• VAR-2025-25 – motion to approve findings of fact (outcome not specified)
• VAR-2025-25 – motion to approve variance with conditions (outcome not specified)
• VAR-2025-26 – motion to approve findings of fact (outcome not specified)
• VAR-2025-26 – motion to approve variance with conditions (outcome not specified)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the acceptance of a $25,093 state grant for juvenile delinquency screening to be disbursed to the Arrowhead Juvenile Center. The meeting also includes reviews of rezoning requests and public safety contracts.

• Acceptance of 2026-2027 Juvenile Delinquency Screening Grant ($25,093)
• Rezoning request #525003 — Floyd Temple
• Conditional/Interim Use #425007 — OBAA Partners Inc
• Contract with Brain HQ — JIF Program
• Easement considerations for parcel 96-010-5640 (Carlson) and parcel 69-020-2010 (MN Power)

The commissioners adopted resolution 25-068 authorizing a sub‑grant with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for hazard mitigation and authorizing Chair Marv Bodie to sign. They also approved a rezoning of 3873 S Maple Drive, an interim use permit for a cannabis business, a timber auction for December 18, and a $25,093 grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Additional actions included two easements on tax‑forfeited parcels, a Posit Science contract for jail programming, and scheduling a special board meeting on December 3 for the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

• Adopted hazard mitigation sub‑grant resolution (all yea votes, absent Plante Buhs)
• Approved rezoning of 3873 S Maple Drive to A‑2 Agriculture/Rural Residential (all yea votes)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for OBAA Partners dba Panta Cannabis (all yea votes)
• Set County Timber Auction for Dec 18, 2025 and approved timber list (all yea votes)
• Accepted $25,093 grant from Minnesota Dept. of Human Services (all yea votes)
• Approved easement across tax‑forfeited parcel PID 96-010-5640 (all yea votes)
• Approved 30‑foot easement across tax‑forfeited parcel PID 69-020-2010 (all yea votes)
• Approved Posit Science contract for Justice Involved Female programming ($16,000 first class, $30,000 base) (all yea votes)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding a rezoning request and a conditional/interim use application. The body will also discuss Interim Ordinance #41.

• Rezoning Request #525003 – Floyd Temple
• Conditional/Interim Use #425007 – OBAA Partners Incorporated dba Panta Cannabis
• Discussion of Interim Ordinance #41

The commission approved the meeting minutes from Oct 1, 2025 and the agenda as amended. A rezoning request (#525003) by Floyd Temple and a conditional/interim use request (#425007) by OBAA Partners were considered, but the minutes do not record a clear approval or denial. The commission set a date for the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee meeting on Dec 3, 2025 and discussed Interim Ordinance #41 before adjourning at 8:50 PM.

• Approved Oct 1, 2025 meeting minutes (as amended)
• Approved agenda (as amended)
• Considered Rezoning Request #525003 – outcome not recorded
• Considered Conditional/Interim Use Request #425007 – outcome not recorded
• Scheduled Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee meeting for Dec 3, 2025
• Discussed Interim Ordinance #41
• Adjourned meeting at 8:50 PM

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review department updates and a presentation on the Food Access Project. The body is discussing county participation in the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance and terms for a December 18, 2025, timber auction.

• Terms and conditions for the December 18, 2025 Timber Auction
• County participation in the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance (MNEA)
• Food Access Project presentation regarding a $2,000 Medica County Innovation Fund grant
• Technology Audit
• Board of Adjustment vacancy

The Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda and the October 7 2025 minutes. Motion was passed to authorize the Timber Auction scheduled for Dec 18 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The board also approved an easement request over parcel #96‑010‑5640. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion by Buhs, seconded by Bodie)
• Approved October 7 2025 minutes (motion by Zmyslony, seconded by Bodie)
• Authorized Timber Auction on Dec 18 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (motion by Bodie, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved easement request over parcel #96‑010‑5640 (motion by Buhs, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Bodie, seconded by Buhs)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board will approve the consent agenda and regular agenda, then discuss several items including a proposed increase in airport hanger rental rates, a contract termination in zoning, and updates to county facilities and staffing. Administrative items include a historic courthouse roof update, renewal of the Minnesota healthcare consortium contract for 2026, and an increase in the election clerk position from 0.8 to 1.0 FTE.

• Increase airport hanger rental rates (Transportation)
• Terminate contract (Zoning and Environmental Services)
• Historic Courthouse roof update (Administrative)
• Minnesota healthcare consortium renewal contract for 2026 (Administrative)
• Election/Office support clerk .8 to 1.0 (Administrative)

The Carlton County Board approved several service contracts, accepted a state emergency‑management grant, and voted to sponsor the City of Cromwell’s LRIP application for the Clark Avenue reconstruction. It also authorized travel for county officials, terminated a mattress‑transport agreement, and approved a final payment for a completed road project.

• Approved HDC mental health case‑management contract (effective 01/01/202 ‑ 12/31/2026)
• Approved TLC of Duluth contract for disability/elderly services (~$800,607, 01/01/202 ‑ 12/31/2027)
• Approved Resolution 25‑065 to sponsor Clark Avenue Reconstruction LRIP application
• Approved Resolution 25‑066 to accept $19,811 Emergency Management Performance Grant
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Emergency Management Director to IAEM conference (costs covered by AMEM)
• Terminated agreement with Carlson Timber Products for recyclable mattress transport
• Authorized $48,647.92 final payment to Northland Constructors for completed CSAH 55 project
• Approved 9.5% increase in employee health‑insurance rates for 2026 with a 17.5% cap for 2027

Board of Adjustment

The Carlton County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on variance applications numbered 325018 through 325022 for David Matusek, Ron Westphal, Butlerfield Trust, Brian Besser, and Joshua Wekseth. The board will also approve the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes and address other routine business before adjourning.

• Approve meeting minutes from September 16, 2025
• Public hearing – #325018 – David Matusek
• Public hearing – #325019 – Ron Westphal
• Public hearing – #325020 – Butlerfield Trust
• Public hearing – #325021 – Brian Besser

The Board of Adjustment approved the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes. It then approved the findings of fact and approved variances with conditions for applications #325018 (David Matuseski), #325019 (Ron Westphal), #325020 (Butterfield Trust), and #325021 (Brian Besser). The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

• Approved September 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved findings of fact for #325018 – David Matuseski
• Approved variance with conditions for #325018 – David Matuseski
• Approved findings of fact for #325019 – Ron Westphal
• Approved variance with conditions for #325019 – Ron Westphal
• Approved findings of fact for #325020 – Butterfield Trust
• Approved variance with conditions for #325020 – Butterfield Trust
• Approved findings of fact for #325021 – Brian Besser

County Board of Commissioners

The board will first vote on the consent agenda, which includes approving the minutes of the September 22, 2025 session, accepting FY2026 taconite tax funds, and other routine items. It will then address public health recognition and consider zoning matters, specifically an interim use permit and scheduling a public hearing for a variance request. Additional administrative business includes employee service awards, an assessor award, withdrawal from the Minnesota Merit System, a review of a self‑funded solar project, and a closed‑session union‑negotiation meeting.

• Approve minutes of the September 22, 2025, adjourned session (consent agenda)
• Accept FY2026 Taconite Tax Funds (consent agenda)
• Interim Use Permit #425006 (zoning and environmental services)
• Schedule public hearing for variance request (zoning and environmental services)
• Review previously approved self‑funded solar project (administrative)

The board approved a $254,323 grant contract for Taconite Tax Funds, authorized travel to a national conference, and appointed Rachael Tuve to the Extension Committee. It also approved tax abatements for fifteen parcels, an interim use permit for a gravel pit, set a public hearing on a solid‑waste variance, and entered an agreement with the City of Wright for a long‑term recycling facility. Additional actions included adopting a merit‑system compliance resolution, confirming the solar field project will proceed, and approving an MOU with AFSCME Council 65.

• Approved $254,323 Taconite Tax Funds grant contract (all yea votes)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for commissioners to NAC conference (all yea votes)
• Approved second term appointment of Rachael Tuve to Extension Committee (all yea votes)
• Approved tax abatements for 15 parcels for Minnesota Energy Resources (all yea votes)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for gravel pit at 4177 Kolosky Road (all yea votes)
• Set public hearing on Nov 24, 2025 for tire‑shred solid waste variance (all yea votes, Reed nay)
• Approved agreement with City of Wright for unstaffed recycling facility through 2075 (all yea votes)
• Adopted resolution confirming compliance with federal merit‑system standards (all yea votes)

Committee of the Whole

The committee will review presentations on early childhood programs, AmeriCorps partnerships, and a suicide prevention grant. The body will also discuss the BrianHQ contract and a comprehensive plan update for zoning and environmental services.

• Discussion of BrianHQ contract for the Sheriff's JIF Manager
• Northern MN Suicide Prevention Grant Planning update
• Zoning & Environmental Services Comprehensive Plan update
• Carlton County Extension presentation
• Discussion of lobbying priorities

The Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda after a motion by Commissioner Bodie and a second by Commissioner Zmyslony. They also approved the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes following a motion by Commissioner Zmyslony and a second by Commissioner Buhs. The remainder of the session consisted of presentations and updates with no further actions taken.

• Approved agenda (motion by Commissioner Bodie, seconded by Commissioner Zmyslony)
• Approved September 2, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Commissioner Zmyslony, seconded by Commissioner Buhs)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a conditional or interim use application for Verna Jean Jeffers and Michael Buetow. The commission will also discuss Interim Ordinance #41.

• Public hearing: Conditional/Interim Use #425006 (Verna Jean Jeffers/Michael Buetow)
• Discussion: Interim Ordinance #41

The commission approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes and the meeting agenda. It held a public hearing on Conditional/Interim Use #425006 and approved the findings of fact and the interim use permit for the applicant. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (vote tally not specified)
• Approved meeting agenda (vote tally not specified)
• Approved findings of fact for Conditional/Interim Use #425006 (vote tally not specified)
• Approved interim use permit for Conditional/Interim Use #425006 (vote tally not specified)
• Adjourned meeting (vote tally not specified)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board approved the 2026 property tax levy totaling $35,645,775 and adopted the preliminary 2026 budget. It also accepted two state airport improvement grant agreements, authorized a $100 change fund for the Sheriff’s Office, and approved a bingo gambling application for the Sturgeon Lake Relief Association. Additionally, the board set a Dec. 11 public‑testimony meeting and appointed Shanna Wolf to the Economic Development Authority Committee.

• Approved amended Consent Agenda (minutes, MFIP agreement, mattress recycling renewal, $100 Sheriff’s Office change fund, bingo application) – carried by all yea votes
• Accepted State Grant Agreement No. 1060994 for Moose Lake Airport improvement – carried by all yea votes
• Accepted State Grant Agreement No. 1061092 for Cloquet Airport improvement – carried by all yea votes
• Approved the 2026 preliminary budget for taxes payable – carried by all yea votes
• Adopted the proposed 2026 property tax levy of $35,645,775 – carried by all yea votes
• Set a Dec. 11, 2025 meeting for public testimony on the final levy and budget – carried by all yea votes
• Appointed Shanna Wolf to the Economic Development Authority Committee for a six‑year term – carried by all yea votes
• Approved budgets and specific levies for unorganized townships for 2026 – carried by all yea votes

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals will meet to conduct public hearings regarding variance requests. The board will also review findings of fact to grant variances.

• Public hearing #325013 – Joseph Wiener
• Public hearing #325016 – James and Janet Robinson
• Public hearing #325017 – Kris Anderson

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board will vote on the consent agenda, which includes routine items such as minutes, contracts, and the 2026‑2027 Child Care Fund Plan. It will also discuss several regular‑agenda items, including equipment purchases, use permits, and a change order for courthouse roof work. The meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025 at the County Transportation Building.

• Approve consent agenda items (minutes, child care fund plan, airport agreements, final contractor payment, PFML filing)
• Transfer Station equipment purchase
• Interim Use Permit #425004 – Robert Miller
• Conditional Use Permit #425005 – Matt Arnold
• Change order for BP Builders courthouse roof replacement

The board adopted the airport grant award, authorized final payment for a completed road project, and approved large trailer purchases for the transfer station. It also granted an interim use permit for a cannabis business and a conditional use permit for a home‑based organ building business. The board accepted a repurchase application for tax‑forfeited land and switched health‑insurance brokerage to a new provider.

• Approved Consent Agenda (all yea votes, absent Plante Buhs)
• Adopted resolution 25-052 awarding Airport Maintenance and Operations Grant
• Authorized final payment of $28,024.30 to Northland Constructors for completed road project
• Approved purchase of trailers totaling $987,512 for County Transfer Station
• Approved Interim Use Permit for cannabis business at 3158 County Road 35
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for home‑based organ building business at 2110 County Road 105
• Accepted repurchase of tax‑forfeited lands (PIDs 98-230-0060 & 0080) from Charles and William Wise
• Approved contract with Marsh and McLennan Agency for health insurance brokerage at $3,000 per month, terminating prior contract

Planning Commission

The commission approved the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes and the agenda for the September 3, 2025 session. A public hearing was held for Conditional/Interim Use applications #425004 (Robert Miller) and #425005 (Matthew Arnold, no decisions were recorded). The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.

• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (vote tally not recorded)
• Approved the September 3, 2025 agenda (vote tally not recorded)
• Held public hearing for Conditional/Interim Use #425004 – no decision recorded
• Held public hearing for Conditional/Interim Use #425005 – no decision recorded
• Approved adjournment at 8:04 PM (vote tally not recorded)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda and the August 5, 2025 minutes. They voted to accept the Met Life contract for the Paid Family Medical Leave Act. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion by Reed, second by Bodie)
• Approved August 5, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Zmyslony, second by Bodie)
• Approved Met Life contract for Paid Family Medical Leave Act (motion by Gary, second by Bodie)
• Approved adjournment (motion by Zmyslony, second by Bodie)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review budget presentations and several consent agenda items. Key actions include approving a professional services contract for land use planning and accepting a medical device donation.

• Contract for Comprehensive Land Use Plan with Houseal Lavigne Associates, LLC, not to exceed $218,600
• Acceptance of a donated LUCAS medical device (valued at approximately $18,000) from the University of Minnesota
• Tax abatement for 2025 taxes for PID 13-002-0161 due to a manufactured home being removed in 2024
• Budget presentations from the Historical Society, Assessor, and Administrator

The commissioners unanimously approved the amended consent agenda, accepted an $18,000 LUCAS CPR device donation for the Sheriff’s Department, approved a tax abatement for parcel PID 13-002-0161, and authorized a contract up to $218,600 for the County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. They also approved the adjourned agenda, confirmed the County Attorney’s service on the Probation Committee, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved amended Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted $18,000 LUCAS CPR device donation for Sheriff’s Department (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatement for parcel PID 13-002-0161 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Houseal Lavigne Associates, LLC for CLUP up to $218,600 (unanimous)
• Approved Adjourned Agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved County Attorney to serve on County Probation Committee (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved a land‑exchange agreement to swap parcels for a stormwater pond. They also approved construction of a self‑funded solar field estimated at $2.75‑3.25 million. Additional actions included renewing the electronics‑recycling contract, approving several service contracts, and granting two use permits for a cannabis business and a butcher shop.

• Approved land‑exchange agreement for stormwater pond (unanimous)
• Approved self‑funded solar field project, cost $2.75‑3.25 M (unanimous)
• Approved one‑year renewal of electronics‑recycling agreement with TRC (unanimous)
• Approved CLUP contract with Houseal Lavigne Associates, LLC up to $218,600 (unanimous)
• Approved building‑maintenance software increase with AkitaBox Inc. up to $13,181.79 (unanimous)
• Approved Interim Use Permit for Phi Society LLC cannabis business in A‑1 zone (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Matthew and Kristie Laveau butcher shop in A‑2 zone (unanimous)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for County Engineer to attend NACE conferences (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the June 4, 2025 meeting minutes and the agenda. A public hearing was held for Conditional/Interim Use #425001 (Phi Society LLC) and #425003 (Matthew & Kristie Laveau). Motions to approve findings of fact and to approve or deny the applications were recorded, but the minutes do not state the final approval or denial outcomes.

• Approved June 4, 2025 meeting minutes (vote tally not specified)
• Approved meeting agenda (vote tally not specified)
• Held public hearing on Conditional/Interim Use #425001 – Phi Society LLC (outcome not recorded)
• Held public hearing on Conditional/Interim Use #425003 – Matthew & Kristie Laveau (outcome not recorded)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda and the July 1, 2025 minutes. Commissioners approved a refill and restructuring request for the Public Health & Human Services Deputy Director. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion by Zmyslony, seconded by Buhs)
• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Buhs, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved PHHS Deputy Director refill/restructure request (motion by Reed, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved adjournment (motion by Reed, seconded by Buhs)

County Board of Commissioners

The commissioners approved the purchase of four 2026 International trucks for the County Transfer Station, each costing $137,940 plus taxes and fees. They also appointed Chief Deputy County Attorney Jeffrey L.H. Boucher as the new County Attorney effective September 29, 2025. Additional actions included accepting a $70,200 federal grant, approving a $40 marriage record amendment fee, and extending a land access agreement with the Fond du Lac Band through November 30, 2027.

• Approved purchase of four 2026 International trucks ($137,940 each) (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Jeffrey L.H. Boucher as County Attorney (5-0)
• Approved acceptance of $70,200 Federal Crime Victim Services Grant (5-0)
• Approved $40 fee for marriage record amendments (5-0)
• Approved $11,430 service agreement with United Way of Carlton County (4-0-1)
• Approved addition of Loan and Grant Administrator position (5-0)
• Approved tax abatement for Greiner Holdings LLC parcel (5-0)
• Approved extension of land access agreement with Fond du Lac Band through Nov 30, 2027 (5-0)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, the July 8 meeting minutes, and a $23,000 child‑care grant. It also approved opt‑ins to the Purdue/Sackler Family opioid settlement and to settlements with Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun and Zydus, authorizing receipt and distribution of those funds. The special agenda was approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 8, 2025 regular board meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted $23,000 Northland Foundation FFN child‑care grant (unanimous)
• Approved opt‑in to Purdue/Sackler Family opioid settlement and authorized receipt/distribution (unanimous)
• Approved opt‑in to settlements with Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, Zydus and authorized receipt/distribution (unanimous)
• Approved Special Agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting. It also approved the findings of fact related to a variance request and granted the variance for applicant Eugene Puline with conditions. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes of June 17, 2025 (outcome: approved)
• Approved findings of fact for variance request (outcome: approved)
• Approved variance for Eugene Puline with conditions (outcome: approved with conditions)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (outcome: approved)

County Board of Commissioners

The board approved the consent agenda, the June 23 minutes, and a settlement related to the former IT director. It authorized a one‑year extension of the recycling contract with Cloquet Riverside Recycling and approved June 2025 vendor payments totaling $9,222,737.28. The board adopted resolution 25‑043 to approve the State’s proposed acquisition of about 495 acres for a wildlife management area, and adopted resolution 25‑044 to enter a MnDOT agreement for Highway 73 improvements. Additional actions included approving an easement for parcel PI D 96‑010‑5640, confirming the sheriff’s department joining the Minnesota Sheriffs Association effort, and adjourning the meeting.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Authorized settlement for terminated IT director (unanimous)
• Approved one‑year recycling contract extension with Cloquet Riverside Recycling (unanimous)
• Approved June 2025 vendor payments totaling $9,222,737.28 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 25‑043 approving ~495 acres wildlife land acquisition (unanimous)
• Approved easement for parcel PI D 96‑010‑5640 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution 25‑044 entering MnDOT agreement for Highway 73 improvements (unanimous)
• Confirmed sheriff’s department joining Minnesota Sheriffs Association effort (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole approved its agenda and the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to support the Minnesota DNR in acquiring Conservation Trust Fund lands to expand the Blackhoof Wildlife Management Area. The Committee also approved an easement across parcel PID 96-010-5640 to secure access to private land. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda
• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved support for State DNR acquisition to expand Blackhoof Wildlife Management Area
• Approved easement across parcel PID 96-010-5640
• Adjourned meeting

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board approved several items on its consent agenda, including a lease renewal, a law librarian contract, travel for the chief deputy attorney, and a land easement. It also approved the adjourned agenda, a plan to end the Carlson Timber hauling contract at the Transfer Station, new gate fees for the Transfer Station, and a historic courthouse roof repair contract. All motions passed with unanimous yea votes except the roof contract, where one commissioner abstained.

• Approved Consent Agenda items, including lease renewal for 1,224 sq ft office ($2,448/mo) (all yea votes)
• Approved Law Librarian contract for $7,500 annually (all yea votes)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Chief Deputy Attorney to National Treatment Court Conference (all yea votes)
• Approved preliminary easement of a 30‑ft‑wide land strip in NW Quarter, Sec 30, T48, R16 (all yea votes)
• Approved Adjourned Agenda as presented (all yea votes)
• Approved Transfer Station plan to discontinue Carlson Timber hauling contract, shifting service to county staff (effective July 1 2026) (all yea votes)
• Approved Transfer Station gate fees effective September 1 2025 (all yea votes)
• Approved Historic Courthouse roof repair and replacement contract with BP Builders, LLC for $778,926 (all yea votes; Plante Buhs abstained)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting. It then approved variances for applications #325005 (Chad Behnke), #325008 (Jain Properties LLC), #325009 (Michael Doerr), and #325010 (Vicki Simich), some with conditions. The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (as amended)
• Approved variance with conditions for application #325005 (Chad Behnke)
• Approved variance with conditions for application #325008 (Jain Properties LLC)
• Approved variance for application #325009 (Michael Doerr)
• Approved variance with conditions for application #325010 (Vicki Simich)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:09 p.m.

County Board of Commissioners

The board approved awarding a $598,733.43 contract to Sinnott Contracting for the Moose Lake Multipurpose Trail, pending city council and civil‑rights approval. It also approved applying for and accepting a $500,000 Department of Justice Violence Against Women grant and accepted a $10,454 United Way grant for a kindergarten program. Additional actions included authorizing a $32,510 GIS consulting contract, paying $14,770.23 to Landwehr Construction for completed road work, denying a towing‑business interim use permit, and adopting a green‑burial cemetery moratorium.

• Approved award of $598,733.43 Moose Lake trail contract to Sinnott Contracting (unanimous)
• Approved County Attorney to apply for and accept $500,000 DOJ Violence Against Women grant (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of $10,454 United Way Jump Start for Kindergarten grant (unanimous)
• Approved $32,510 GIS consulting contract with Siona Roberts at $75/hr (unanimous)
• Authorized final payment of $14,770.23 to Landwehr Construction for completed road projects (unanimous)
• Denied Interim Use Permit for Ryan Haluptzok towing business at 1427 Cologne Road (unanimous, Proulx absent)
• Adopted Interim Ordinance No. 41 – Green Burial Cemetery and Natural Organic Reduction Facility Moratorium (unanimous)
• Approved $4,937.50 septic loan to Chad and Tami Nelson and $16,000 loan to Gordon Hanson (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the meeting minutes and agenda. A public hearing was held on Conditional/Interim Use #425002 submitted by Ryan Haluptzok. The commission voted to deny the permit. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Held public hearing on Conditional/Interim Use #425002 (Ryan Haluptzok)
• Denied Conditional/Interim Use #425002 (Ryan Haluptzok)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:06 PM

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole approved the meeting agenda and the May 6, 2025 minutes. It adopted the Policy Committee bylaw changes that shift policy‑development duties to the Finance, Building, Personnel, Safety, and Technology committees. The board also approved hiring an independent contractor for special projects and authorized pursuit of a DOJ grant to fund additional domestic‑abuse services.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion by Zmyslony, seconded by Reed)
• Approved May 6, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Bodie, seconded by Reed)
• Approved Policy Committee bylaw reorganization (motion by Genereau, seconded by Reed)
• Approved hiring independent contractor for special projects (motion by Westphal, seconded by Reed)
• Approved pursuit of DOJ grant for domestic‑abuse services (motion by Ketola, seconded by Marv)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. The approval included the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes, issuance of 2025‑2026 hauler and recycling facility licenses to listed companies, and vendor claim payments for December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025. All motions were carried by unanimous yea votes.

• Approve May 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approve issuance of 2025‑2026 hauler licenses to listed firms (unanimous)
• Approve issuance of recycling facility licenses to listed firms (unanimous)
• Approve December 2024 vendor claim payments (unanimous)
• Approve January 2025 vendor claim payments (unanimous)
• Approve February 2025 vendor claim payments (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment approved the findings of fact and granted variances with conditions for applications 325004, 325006, and 325007. Application 325005 was tabled at the request of the applicant's representative for further discussion. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved findings of fact for variance #325004 (Michael Hiti)
• Approved variance #325004 with conditions
• Tabled variance request #325005 (Randy Sorenson) for future meeting
• Approved variance #325006 with conditions
• Approved findings of fact for variance #325007 (James & Sheila Fetters)
• Approved variance #325007 with conditions

County Board of Commissioners

The board unanimously approved several contracts and resolutions, including a $371,511 annual addendum for adult mental‑health services and $65,111 for children’s services with the Human Development Center. It also adopted a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to connect the sheriff’s office to the state criminal‑justice data network, and approved a related SWIFT contract amendment. Additional actions included setting a public hearing on a green‑burial moratorium, accepting a $67,414 annual DHS fraud‑prevention grant, issuing an RFQ for the comprehensive land‑use plan, and approving a land‑exchange for a storm‑water pond project.

• Approved Consent Agenda (all yea votes)
• Approved addendum to HDC mental‑health contract ($371,511 adult, $65,111 children) (all yea votes)
• Approved Joint Powers Agreements with State Dept. of Public Safety (all yea votes)
• Approved Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment for SWIFT contract (all yea votes)
• Set public hearing on June 3 for green burial cemetery moratorium (all yea votes)
• Accepted DHS Regional Fraud Prevention Grant $67,414 annually (all yea votes)
• Approved RFQ for County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and appointed selection committee (all yea votes)
• Approved property transfer and land exchange for storm‑water pond project (all yea votes)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee approved the meeting agenda and the April 1, 2025 minutes. A moratorium was approved to review a possible new cemetery statute and a Minnesota Department of Health study. The board approved hiring a .5 FTE fraud prevention investigator with a $67.4K budget. It also approved a letter of support for GoRail and set the next regular meeting for June 3, 2025.

• Approved agenda (motion by Reed, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved April 1, 2025 minutes (motion by Buhs, seconded by Reed)
• Approved cemetery moratorium to review new statute and health study (motion by Zmyslony, seconded by Reed)
• Approved .5 FTE fraud prevention investigator position with $67.4K funding (motion by Annie, seconded by Marv)
• Approved letter of support for GoRail (motion by Reed, seconded by Bodie)
• Approved scheduling of next regular meeting on June 3, 2025 (motion by Reed, seconded by Buhs)

County Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved a $2,325,731.89 contract to Asphalt Surface Technologies for micro‑surfacing on CSAH 61. It also approved an airport lease, a hazard‑mitigation sub‑grant, a joint powers agreement for criminal‑justice data, a gambling exempt permit, and proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Month. Resolutions supporting Northern Lights Academy, the ATV Club, and a spongy‑moth treatment letter were also adopted.

• Approved $2,325,731.89 micro‑surfacing contract on CSAH 61 to Asphalt Surface Technologies (unanimous)
• Approved airport property lease to Davide Matuseski and Susan Paulson at $118 per acre for five years (unanimous)
• Approved sub‑grant agreement with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (unanimous)
• Approved Joint Powers Agreements with the State Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (unanimous)
• Approved Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment to SWIFT contract (unanimous)
• Approved Minnesota Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit for Lakehead Harvest Reunion (unanimous)
• Proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Month in Carlton County (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution supporting Northern Lights Academy and willingness to facilitate a land transfer (unanimous)

County Board of Commissioners

The Carlton County Board approved a $268,400 allocation of opioid settlement funds for treatment, prevention, harm reduction, leadership, and administration. It also renewed all county land leases at unchanged rates and approved several contracts and agreements, including a LiDAR data‑sharing pact, a boat safety grant, a timber auction, a solar‑project study, and a geothermal‑rebate report. All motions were carried by unanimous yea votes.

• Approved $268,400 opioid settlement allocation (unanimous)
• Renewed all county land leases without rate increase (unanimous)
• Approved five‑year LiDAR data‑sharing agreement with Fond du Lac Reservation (unanimous)
• Authorized $7,986 County Boat and Water Safety Grant (unanimous)
• Approved $36,804 annual contract with Bill Thompson for child‑protection services (unanimous)
• Set County Timber Auction for May 23, 2025 and approved listed timber tracts (unanimous)
• Approved $180,444 engineering study contract with McKinstry Essention for a potential solar project (unanimous)
• Approved $45,000 contract with Ryan, LLC to report the Justice Center geothermal energy rebate (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole approved several items, including the LiDAR Data Sharing Agreement with FDL and the renewal of cabin leases. The board also approved updates to the Data Practices Policy, the meeting agenda, and the prior meeting minutes. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (motion by Reed, seconded by Bodie)
• Approved March 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Buhs, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved Data Practices Policy updates (motion by Proulx, seconded by Bodie)
• Approved LiDAR Data Sharing Agreement with FDL (motion by Bodie, seconded by Zmyslony)
• Approved cabin lease renewals (motion by Reed, seconded by Buhs)

County Board of Commissioners

The board adopted resolution 25-020 urging the 2025 Legislature to reject the governor’s proposal and fully restore PILT funding. It also approved a contract with Bill Thompson at $130 per hour for child protection services, added US Bank as a second county credit card option, and set cannabis registration fees. Additional actions included approving the consent agenda, supporting a wastewater grant for Thomson Township, and accepting a $1,000 artwork donation for county use. All motions were carried by unanimous yea votes of the present commissioners.

• Approved Consent Agenda items, including adding US Bank as a second county credit card option (carried by all yea votes)
• Approved contract with Bill Thompson at $130 per hour for CHIPS, TPR, LTFC, and TL&PC matters (carried by all yea votes)
• Approved cannabis registration fees, setting renewal fees for microbusiness, mezzobusiness, retailer, and other categories (carried by all yea votes)
• Adopted resolution 25-020 urging the 2025 Legislature to fully restore PILT funding (carried by all yea votes, except Proulx absent)
• Adopted resolution 25-021 accepting a $1,000 artwork donation from Arrowhead Juvenile Center for county buildings (carried by all yea votes, except Proulx absent)
• Approved a letter of support for Thomson Township for a WLSSD Wastewater Service Planning Grant (carried by all yea votes)
• Approved addition of a new truck for hauler Nordstrom’s (carried by all yea votes)
• Reapproved primary and alternate board members for the One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) (carried by all yea votes)