Cass County public meetings in 2021

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners met to establish 2022 compensation for elected officials and citizen committees. The meeting also included the adoption of a resolution to participate in multistate opioid settlement agreements with manufacturers and distributors.

• Established 2022 annual salary for County Attorney Ben Lindstrom at $130,956.80
• Established 2022 annual salary for County Sheriff Tom Burch at $123,448.00
• Established 2022 annual salary for County Recorder Katie Norby at $86,590.40
• Set 2022 County Commissioner per diem rate at $75.00 per day
• Adopted Resolution 67-21 to participate in opioid settlement agreements

The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2022 property tax levy of $24,111,891 (a 2.99% increase) and the 2022 budget with total expenditures of $71,176,255. The board also approved 2022 compensation for county commissioners and elected department heads, including a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, and authorized participation in the national opioid settlement agreements. Several other administrative items, including the consent agenda, fee schedule, and website redesign contract, were approved.

• Adopted 2022 property tax levy of $24,111,891 (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 budget with $71,176,255 expenditures (unanimous)
• Set 2022 commissioner salary at $29,248 and per diem at $75/day (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 salaries for County Attorney, Sheriff, and Recorder (unanimous)
• Authorized participation in opioid settlement agreements (unanimous)
• Approved $40,531 website redesign and maintenance contract with CivicPlus (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 fee schedule with various fee increases (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 equipment list totaling $2,265,019 (unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District will review and approve several payments, including $11,000 to GCOLA for law enforcement, $2,575 to Peterson Company, and $1,991.25 to Leech Lake Association. They will also discuss a 50% GCOLA reimbursement request and hear reports from staff on conservation programs.

• Pay $11,000 to GCOLA for law enforcement
• Pay $2,575 to Peterson Company LTD
• Pay $1,991.25 to Leech Lake Association
• Discuss additional 50% GCOLA reimbursement request
• Pay $430 to Tim Bocock for decon station repair

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District unanimously approved several payments, including $2,575 to Peterson Company LTD, $11,000 to GCOLA for law enforcement, and $1,991.25 to Leech Lake Association. The board also approved three new cost-share applications and amendments to an existing agreement, and noted the Upper Mississippi River Lidar Acquisition project has been recommended for funding with a $25,000 district commitment.

• Approved agenda with three new cost-share applications added (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, November bank statement, and November 4 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $2,575 payment to Peterson Company LTD (unanimous)
• Approved Amendment #1 to Grove Land & Cattle LLC CS289-21, increasing cost share from 50% to 75% (unanimous)
• Approved $11,000 payment to GCOLA for law enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved $1,991.25 payment to Leech Lake Association (unanimous)
• Approved $430 payment to Tim Bocock for decon station repair (unanimous)
• Approved cost-share applications: Gregory Buck $641.34, Brian Doty $340.20, Darwin Knaak $493.50, Charles & Mary Blue $1,000 (all unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on December 13, 2021, to review and decide on several land-use applications. These include a request to reclassify 40 acres for a solar facility, six variance requests for lakeshore property additions, a conditional use permit for a home business, and preliminary and final plats for the Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake. Field inspections for these applications were conducted on December 6, 2021.

• MN Power reclassification of 40 acres from Shoreland Residential to Commercial-2 for a 10-megawatt solar facility on West Gull River Rd SW, Sylvan Township
• Variance for after-the-fact 960 sf walkout addition with reduced setback on Smiley Lake, Ponto Lake Township
• Variance for 20x40 ft inground pool with reduced setback on St Mary's Lake, Sylvan Township
• Conditional use permit for home business manufacturing window washing fluid on 23.02 acres near Bungo Creek, Pine River Township
• Preliminary plat for 16 lots and 1 outlot (Trappers Landing Lodge Fifth Addition) and final plat for 10 lots (Fourth Addition) on Leech Lake

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved a reclassification for a solar facility expansion, approved several variances (including after-the-fact for a walkout addition), tabled two applications, and denied one variance. They also approved preliminary and final plats for Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake. All decisions were made with roll call votes as recorded.

• Approved reclassification of 40-acre parcel from Shoreland Residential to Commercial-2 for solar facility expansion (6-0)
• Approved after-the-fact variance for 960 sf walkout addition with reduced setback (6-0)
• Tabled variance for 20x40 ft inground pool until January 10, 2022 meeting
• Denied variance for 876 sf addition with reduced setback (1-5)
• Approved variance for 336 sf porch and 112 sf deck with reduced setback (6-0)
• Approved variance for 2,202 sf addition with reduced setback (6-0)
• Tabled conditional use permit for window washing fluid manufacturing
• Approved preliminary plat for Trappers Landing Lodge Fifth Addition (6-0)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a Truth-in-Taxation public hearing on the 2022 budget and fee schedule, and will also discuss and possibly approve several ARPA grants, a housing study, and other administrative items. The meeting includes a consent agenda with numerous routine approvals, such as warrants, licenses, and grant agreements.

• Truth-in-Taxation hearing for 2022 budget and fee schedule
• ARPA grant applications for Walker Lions ($7,055.70) and Shannon Wright
• Proposal to designate Fay Harrington Izaak Walton League Memorial Pine Stand and establish outdoor classroom
• Approve final payment of Contract 72003 (Highway Department)
• Annual polling place resolution for unorganized precincts and election equipment grant application

The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included warrants, grants, and personnel actions. They also approved ARPA grants for the Walker Lions and a home daycare, adopted resolutions for gambling, polling places, election equipment, and road contract final payment, and received updates on the housing study and other items. The board scheduled adoption of the 2022 fees, levy, and budget for December 21, 2021.

• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling over $1.7M (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA grant up to $8,000 for Walker Lions Cycling Without Age trailer (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA grant of $6,000 for home daycare playset (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 64-21 approving gambling license for Northland Lions Club (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 61-21 establishing 2022 polling places for unorganized precincts (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 63-21 approving VEGA-3 election equipment grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 62-21 approving final payment of $3,554,223.39 for road contract 72003 (unanimous)
• Approved 2022-2024 MN Extension agreement with $132,507 county investment (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider changing its timber auction policy from monthly sealed-bid auctions to four quarterly oral auctions per year, based on logger input and a recommendation from the Natural Resources Advisory Committee. The board will also discuss updates on the City of Boy River's unpaid snow removal bills, approve a final payment for a road striping project, and consider a cost estimate for updating the Pine River Transfer Station feasibility study. A large consent agenda covers routine approvals including grants, contracts, and personnel items.

• Approve Timber Auction Policy change to four quarterly oral timber auctions per year, no sealed bid auctions
• Approve final payment of $140,797.05 for Contract 07008 (countywide edge line striping on CSAH 10, 49, 34, 77, and CR 126)
• Approve cost estimate not to exceed $2,500 from Martin Mechanical to update Pine River Transfer Station feasibility study for CAP bonding
• Update on City of Boy River: snow removal service discontinued due to unpaid bills; resident input received
• Approve 2022 fee schedule, budget, and property tax levy public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2021

The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved changing the timber auction policy from monthly sealed-bid auctions to four quarterly oral auctions per year, with a report back in one year. The board also approved numerous consent agenda items, including payments, grants, and resolutions, and received updates on the City of Boy River dissolution process and the Longville Ambulance Service District.

• Approved timber auction policy change to four quarterly oral auctions per year (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling over $7.9 million (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 60-21 approving gambling license for North Country Pheasants Forever (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 58-21 approving joint powers agreements with MN BCA (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 59-21 delegating electronic fund transfer authority to CFO for 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 for nine-county C&D landfill feasibility study (unanimous)
• Approved parcel re-mapping project in Crooked Lake Township (unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $140,797.05 for edge line striping contract (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will review several applications regarding land reclassification, conditional use permits, and property variances. Items include requests to change zoning for residential and commercial uses, as well as structural setbacks near shorelands.

• Reclassification of 113.58 acres at 4507 Red River Trl SW from Shoreland Residential to Water Oriented Commercial
• Conditional Use Permit for 'Wild Roots Early Learning Center/Child Care' at 2950 State 371 SW
• Variance request for a 768 sq foot guest quarter addition at 4547 Alder Ln NW
• Preliminary plat for 'Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Fifth Addition' consisting of 16 lots
• Final plat for 'Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Fourth Addition' consisting of 10 lots

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved three reclassification requests, three variances, and three conditional use permits, while denying three variances and tabling two applications. All decisions were made with specific findings and conditions as recorded in the minutes.

• Approved reclassification of 1.25 acres from Rural Residential 2.5 to Rural Residential 1 (7-0)
• Approved reclassification of 20.18 acres from Ag/Forestry to Rural Residential 10 (7-0)
• Approved reclassification of 113.58 acres from Shoreland Residential to Water Oriented Commercial (7-0)
• Denied variance for residence 15.74 ft from OHWL of Gould Lake (6-0, Freeman abstained)
• Denied variance for residence 28 ft from OHWL of Little Boy Lake (7-0)
• Denied variance for residence 48 ft from OHWL of Woman Lake (5-2)
• Approved variance for addition and temporary home near Mississippi River (7-0)
• Approved variance for screen porch and deck at Horseshoe Lake (6-0, Moore absent)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a $20,000 pilot project to remap parcels in Crooked Lake Township using BWSR Buffer Grant funds, and changed the timber auction schedule to four oral auctions per year. The board also approved multiple cost-share payments for AIS management, including $2,563.50 to Norway Lake Association and $3,682.50 to Crooked Lake Township, and several agricultural cost-share payments. All decisions were unanimous except for one AIS payment that passed 4-1.

• Approved $20,000 parcel remapping pilot in Crooked Lake Township (unanimous)
• Changed timber auction schedule to four oral auctions per year (unanimous)
• Approved $2,861.01 payment to Chase on the Lake for BWSR event (unanimous)
• Approved $25 membership in MN Soil Health Coalition (unanimous)
• Approved $2,563.50 cost-share to Norway Lake Association for curly-leaf pondweed removal (unanimous)
• Approved $3,682.50 cost-share to Crooked Lake Township for AIS surveys (unanimous)
• Approved $1,322.50 cost-share to GCOLA for AIS monitoring (unanimous)
• Approved $703 cost-share to GCOLA for Margaret Lake treatment (4-1)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2022 final levy recommendation of a 2.99% increase, which includes using surplus funds to offset costs. The meeting also includes a proposal to reappoint Joshua Stevenson as County Administrator through 2025 and a grant application for Wild Roots Early Learning Center.

• Reappointment of Joshua Stevenson as County Administrator through November 22, 2025
• Review of 2.99% recommended final levy increase for 2022
• ARPA Grant application for Wild Roots Early Learning Center, LLC
• Proposed $100,000 transfer from 2020 Unassigned General Fund balance to capital plan fund
• Approval of courthouse sidewalk and concrete add-ons

The Cass County Board unanimously reappointed Joshua Stevenson as County Administrator through November 22, 2025, and approved an $80,000 ARPA grant for a new childcare center in Pine River. The board also approved several contracts and agreements, including courthouse sidewalk add-ons, a recycling site in Hackensack, and tipping fee assistance for a demolition project in Cass Lake.

• Reappointed Joshua Stevenson as County Administrator through Nov 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved $80,000 ARPA grant for Wild Roots Early Learning Center childcare center (unanimous)
• Approved $40,888.70 courthouse sidewalk and concrete add-ons (unanimous)
• Approved agreement for additional recycling container site in Hackensack (unanimous)
• Approved up to $15,000 tipping fee assistance for City of Cass Lake demo project (unanimous)
• Approved agreement with Slagle's Demolition Landfill for tire/electronics hauling (unanimous)
• Approved final payment for road projects on County Roads 5, 47, 46 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants, appointments, and liquor licenses (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will discuss the City of Boy River's unpaid bills and whether to continue providing free services, with options including dissolution or ending services. The board will also review the third-quarter financial report, consider budget amendments, and hold a public hearing on the 2022 fee schedule. A consent agenda includes routine approvals such as warrants, licenses, and contracts.

• Discussion of City of Boy River status and options, including potential dissolution under Minn. Stat. 412.093
• 3rd Quarter Financial Review and Budget Amendments
• 2022 Fee Schedule Public Hearing
• Award Snow Removal Contract 2021
• Approve Forest Inventory Contract

The Cass County Board approved a motion to notify residents of the City of Boy River and the Township Board that the County will no longer provide free services to the city, which is not paying its bills. The board also approved the 3rd Quarter Budget Amendments, including a $175,000 change for severance pay and increased COVID-19 grant revenues of $3,479,460. A request to fund a demolition tip fee for the City of Cass Lake was tabled pending additional information.

• Approved 3rd Quarter Budget Amendments (unanimous)
• Approved notice to Boy River residents that free county services will end (unanimous)
• Tabled $15,000 demolition tip fee for City of Cass Lake (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants, licenses, and resolutions (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 55-21 for gambling license (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 54-21 for $57,024 Victim Services grant (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for 2022 fee schedule on Dec 9, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring a County Agency Social Worker (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to review a series of variance requests, conditional use permits, reclassifications, and plats. The agenda includes eight variance applications for lakeshore properties, three conditional use permits (including a new extractive pit), several land reclassifications, and preliminary and final plats. Field inspections were conducted on October 4, 2021.

• Variance for residential addition 56' from Long Lake (GD) at 5459 Deer Run Trl NE (Alley)
• Variance for new residence 15.74' from Gould Lake (NE) at 4643 Vireo Trl NW (Elsenpeter)
• Conditional use permit for new extractive pit on 141.1 acres near Blind Lake Creek (Swenson's Aggregate)
• Reclassification of 56.48 acres from Shoreland Residential to Water Oriented Commercial for Assm of God Camp (tabled to 11/08/2021)
• Preliminary plat for 16-lot 'Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Fifth Addition'

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved several shoreland variances, conditional use permits, and reclassifications, and tabled two applications. Notable actions include approving a variance for a residential addition on Long Lake, denying a stairway and lift access on Gull Lake, and approving a conditional use permit for a gravel pit. Two variance applications and two plat applications were tabled.

• Approved variance for residential addition at 5459 Deer Run Trl NE (6-0)
• Tabled variance for residence at 4643 Vireo Trl NW (6-0)
• Tabled variance for new residence at 3660 Bungey Bay Dr NW (6-0)
• Approved variance for 976 sf additions at 6060 Grand View Loop NE (5-1)
• Denied variance for stairway and lift at Gull Lake (4-2)
• Approved variance for new residence at 1552 12th Ave NW (6-0)
• Approved variance for dwelling addition at 5290 Scenic Lake Dr NW (6-0)
• Approved variance for dwelling within bluff at 1443 Ossego Rd SW (6-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District unanimously approved a $24,000 payment to Hubbard SWCD for the Leech Lake One Watershed One Plan grant, three cost-share applications, and two AIS fund requests. They also approved the consent agenda, September bills, and reviewed resolutions for MASWCD. All decisions were unanimous with no substantive discussion or opposition.

• Approved $24,000 payment to Hubbard SWCD for Leech Lake One Watershed One Plan grant (unanimous)
• Approved $300 AIS fund payment to PLM Lake and Land Management Corp. for Wabedo and Little Boy lake surveys (unanimous)
• Approved $112 AIS fund payment to Child Girl Woman Lake Area Association for zooplankton analysis (unanimous)
• Approved Gary Brunkow cost-share application CS296-21 for $1,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Madonna Weidman cost-share application CS297-21 for $16,578, contingent on Kelly Condiff approval (unanimous)
• Approved Shingobee Township cost-share application CS295-21 for $1,000 (unanimous)
• Approved September 2021 bills (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including September bank statement and September 2, 2021 minutes (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider approving a $200,000 ARPA grant application from Happy Dancing Turtle to support a mobile slaughter unit, and will also review the 2020 audited financial statement and receive an update from the Initiative Foundation. The meeting includes a consent agenda with routine approvals and a closed session for department head evaluations.

• ARPA grant request of $200,000 for Happy Dancing Turtle mobile slaughter unit
• 2020 audited financial statement recap
• Consent agenda includes approval of warrants, personnel items, licenses, and grants
• Closed session for department head annual evaluations
• Next meetings scheduled for October 19 and November 2, 2021

The board unanimously approved a $200,000 ARPA grant request from Happy Dancing Turtle and partners to support a mobile slaughter unit and local meat processing. The board also approved the consent agenda, including warrants, licenses, and various grants, and received the 2020 audited financial statement showing a $614,726 surplus.

• Approved $200,000 ARPA grant for mobile slaughter unit (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $1.8M (unanimous)
• Approved liquor and tobacco licenses for multiple establishments (unanimous)
• Approved $33,789.15 grant application for software update (unanimous)
• Approved $200,000 Community Crime Prevention grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 53-21 for Toward Zero Death grant of $47,675 (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 cafeteria plan and insurance contracts (unanimous)
• Received 2020 audited financial statement with $614,726 surplus

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider approving ARPA grant activity, including direct cash assistance to businesses and nonprofits, and a contract for highway department work. They will also receive the 2021 Farm Family of the Year award and a 4-H program update, along with a consent agenda of routine approvals.

• Approve ARPA grant activity, including $1.2M in direct cash assistance and $70,000 for Pine River-Backus Family Center
• Award contract 21003 for highway department
• Approve consent agenda items including licenses, warrants, and abatements
• Receive 2021 Farm Family of the Year award for Marlin and Kathy Torkelson
• Receive 4-H program update from University of Minnesota Extension

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included numerous contracts, grants, and personnel actions. They also approved ARPA grant activity, pausing categories that reached their initial allocation, and awarded a $1.8 million road construction contract for CR 103 to Kern & Tabery, Inc. The meeting included informational updates from the Extension Committee and 4-H program.

• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $2.6M and various contracts (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA grant activity, pausing categories that reached initial allocation (unanimous)
• Awarded contract ST 2021-103 to Kern & Tabery, Inc. for $1,815,719.81 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 budget support to Cass County Agricultural Association
• Approved contracts for Detention Center electronic control upgrades ($78,797 total)
• Awarded elevator update contract to TK Elevator for $125,901.85
• Approved COVID-19 vaccine incentive program to reach 70% vaccination rate
• Received and filed 2021 Farm Family of the Year and 4-H program updates

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on September 13, 2021, to review a series of land-use applications, including variances for residential construction near lakes, reclassifications of property, conditional use permits for resort expansions, and preliminary plats. Field inspections for most applications were conducted on September 7, 2021. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the Cass County Land Department in Backus, MN.

• Variance for Brenda Braget to build a dwelling within the bluff on a riparian lot on Gull Lake (1467 Ossego Rd SW)
• Variance for Renata Brown to allow an RV with a reduced setback of 60 ft from Birch Lake (5609 Lower Ten Mile Lake Road NW)
• Reclassification of ~40 acres from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential 10.0 for Mike Enerson (9311 County 65 NE)
• Conditional use permit for Trappers Landing Outfitters to add 24 platted resort homes to Trapper's Landing Lodge on Leech Lake (1812 Merit Road NW)
• Preliminary plat 'Trappers Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Fourth Addition' for 10 water-oriented commercial lots

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved eight of ten variance requests, including those for Brenda Braget, Renata Brown, Eric Fornshell, Mark Johnson, Matthew Lien, Robert Mann, William Waterhouse, and tabled two others (Heinmiller and Jans). They also approved two reclassifications (Enerson and Trappers Landing Outfitters), two conditional use permits (Spirit of the North Resort and Trappers Landing Lodge), and two preliminary plats (Trappers Landing Fourth Addition and Zaske Outlot). All votes were unanimous, with one member absent for several items.

• Approved Braget variance for dwelling within bluff on Gull Lake (7-0)
• Approved Brown variance for RV at 63' setback on Birch Lake (7-0)
• Approved Fornshell variance for addition over deck at 59' on Lake Sylvan (7-0)
• Tabled Heinmiller variance for dwelling at 28' setback on Little Boy Lake (7-0)
• Approved Johnson variance for two patios at 40' setback on Ox Yoke Lake (7-0)
• Approved Lien variance for dwelling at 120' setback on Barrow Lake (7-0)
• Approved Mann variance for dwelling and SSTS near road ROW on Wabedo Lake (7-0)
• Approved Waterhouse variance for 1500 sf accessory structure at 70' setback on Little Bass Lake (7-0)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing the 2022 preliminary levy recommendations from the Citizen Budget Committee. The proposed 2.5% increase over the 2021 final levy includes a $503,000 levy for the Longville Ambulance Subordinate Service District.

• Adoption of Resolution 48-21 establishing a $23,996,851 preliminary net certified levy
• Adoption of Resolution 49-21 establishing a $245,000 preliminary net levy for unorganized townships
• Proposed Memorandum of Agreement with Birch Lake Township to repair 44th St. NW
• Review of 202X Census Results Summary Comparison and redistricting plan draft
• Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant Agreement for CR 103

The board adopted a 2022 preliminary property tax levy of $24,230,968, a 3.5% increase over 2021, after a 2.5% proposal failed. The board also approved a consent agenda with numerous financial approvals, personnel actions, and contracts, and endorsed a redistricting plan for public comment.

• Adopted 2022 preliminary levy at 3.5% increase (4-1)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants, personnel actions, and contracts
• Approved filling vacant Forest Resource Manager position (unanimous)
• Approved MOA with Birch Lake Township for 44th St NW repair (unanimous)
• Endorsed redistricting Plan A for public comment (unanimous)
• Approved Local Bridge Replacement grant for CR 103 (unanimous)
• Authorized right-of-way offers for CSAH 70 project (unanimous)
• Approved contracts for Cass Lake salt shed (unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board approved several cost-share applications and payments, including a $15,000 brining project payment to Hubbard County. They also authorized seeking bids from Pro West for control points in Crooked Lake, with final approval pending bid review. No other substantive decisions were made; most items were informational reports.

• Approved Dean Nagorski cost-share CS294-21 for $1,000
• Approved $15,000 payment to Hubbard County for brining project
• Approved Louie Weiss cost-shares CS249-20 ($4,176.90) and CS293-21 ($7,306.20)
• Approved Tim Sehnert cost-share CS291-21 for $12,444.75
• Approved Orton Motor Inc cost-share CS292-21 for $441.00
• Approved August 2021 bills as presented
• Authorized getting bids from Pro West for Crooked Lake control points (final approval pending)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board approved ARPA grant activity including $316,654 for broadband infrastructure and $17,744 for home health, plus direct cash assistance to numerous businesses and nonprofits. They also approved a $2,757,236.77 payment to Enbridge from a tax settlement, funded by a state grant and reserve. The board adopted the 1st reading of the Comprehensive Plan Update and denied the Jennen reclassification request.

• Approved ARPA grant activity including $316,654 for Consolidated Telephone broadband and $17,744 for Pine River-Backus Family Center (4-0, Gaalswyk abstained)
• Approved $2,757,236.77 payment to Enbridge for tax settlement, using $2,631,052 grant and $126,184.77 reserve (unanimous)
• Adopted 1st reading of Cass County Comprehensive Plan Update (unanimous)
• Denied Jennen reclassification of 40 acres in Ansel Township (unanimous)
• Approved DNR land acquisition of 5.25 acres in Miller's Bay for Aquatic Management Area (unanimous)
• Authorized Emergency Hay Stumpage Permits due to drought (unanimous)
• Approved Probation Department reorganization adding Administrative Agent, eliminating Office Support Specialist (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants, contracts, and resolutions (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on August 9, 2021, and took action on multiple land use applications. The board denied two reclassification requests (Jennen and Klenk) and approved one (Schlorhaufer). It approved a conditional use permit for Lake Country RV, tabled another for Spirit of the North Resort, and approved a conditional use permit for earthen material movement. The board also approved eight variances, denied one, and tabled two others.

• Denied reclassification of 40 acres from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential (7-0)
• Approved reclassification of 1.42 acres from Public to Shoreland Residential (7-0)
• Denied reclassification of 10.49 acres from Shoreland Residential to Commercial-1 (7-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for Lake Country RV home business (7-0)
• Tabled conditional use permit for 8 RV camping sites at Spirit of the North Resort (7-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for earthen material movement (7-0)
• Denied variance for accessory dwelling unit on undersized lot (7-0)
• Approved variance for residential addition with reduced setback (6-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board approved a per diem increase to $125 per day, a vehicle purchase up to $30,000 using Local Capacity Funds, and $25,000 in matching funds for a LIDAR project. They also approved new decontamination pay rates for lake service providers, funding for invasive species surveys and treatments, and several cost-share applications. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved Resolution #01-2021 and policy for per diem increase to $125/day (unanimous)
• Approved vehicle purchase up to $30,000 via Midway Ford using Local Capacity Funds (unanimous)
• Approved up to $25,000 in Local Capacity Funding for Upper Mississippi River LIDAR project (unanimous)
• Approved decontamination pay rate of $100/hour not to exceed 1.5 hours for lake service providers (unanimous)
• Approved up to $1,800 for Eurasian Milfoil delineation survey at Town Line Lake with 50% matching funds (unanimous)
• Approved up to $3,000 in AIS funding for extra day of Starry Stonewort treatment in Leech Lake (unanimous)
• Approved moving $51,000 to Ag BMP, $30,000 to culvert replacement, $17,000 to shoreline stabilization in Leech Lake River grant (unanimous)
• Approved multiple cost-share applications including shoreline stabilization, cover crop, and water well projects (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine items and several financial actions, including the 2021 state PILT distribution of $1,238,567.33 and a $210,000 lidar and forest inventory project covering 180,000 acres. The board will also award two highway contracts and consider an amendment to a township permitting agreement.

• Approve 2021 State PILT settlement of $1,238,567.33 plus $107,148.75 for Wildlife Management Lands
• Approve $210,000 from Forest Development Fund for lidar acquisition and plot-based forest inventory over 2021-2023
• Award Highway Contract 59807 and Contract 20119
• Approve amendment to Sylvan Township MOU for commercial permitting
• Consent agenda includes personnel items, licenses, ARPA grant activity, and agreements with Northland Community Schools and Lutheran Social Services

The Cass County Board approved two construction contracts: $319,954.25 to Gladen Construction for replacing two bridges with concrete box culverts, and $1,054,244.37 to Anderson Brothers Construction for grading and paving on CR 119. The board also approved a $210,000 LIDAR and forest inventory project, tabled a personnel item, and approved the consent agenda including numerous financial items and ARPA grants.

• Awarded Contract 59807 to Gladen Construction for $319,954.25 (unanimous)
• Awarded Contract 20119 to Anderson Brothers Construction for $1,054,244.37 (unanimous)
• Approved $210,000 for LIDAR and forest inventory project (unanimous)
• Tabled intent to advertise Forest Resource Manager position (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants, resolutions, and ARPA grants (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 State PILT distribution of $1,238,567.33 (unanimous)
• Approved Sylvan Township MOU amendment for commercial permitting (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to adopt an updated 2021 fee schedule, which includes new costs for culverts and mailbox supports. The meeting also includes reviews of financial updates and the county redistricting timeline.

• Public Hearing: Updated 2021 Cass County Fee Schedule
• Approval of updated Guide to Requesting Information and Non-public data inventory
• Review of 2020 and 2021 Financial Updates
• Receipt of estimated Cass County Redistricting Timeline
• Award of Crooked Lake Trail Reroute Contract

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved the ARPA Grant Activity, including direct cash assistance to 26 local businesses and nonprofits, with Commissioner Haaland abstaining due to a conflict of interest. The board also adopted an updated 2021 fee schedule effective August 1, 2021, and approved Resolution 42-21 proclaiming July 27, 2021, as County Staff Appreciation Day. A request from Smoky Hollow Township to discuss County Road 161 was heard, with the County Engineer reporting on recent maintenance and a planned traffic count.

• Approved ARPA Grant Activity (4-0, Haaland abstained) including $10,500 to Up North Plumbing & Heating and $6,000 each to 25 local businesses/nonprofits
• Adopted updated 2021 Cass County Fee Schedule effective August 1, 2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 42-21 proclaiming July 27, 2021 as County Staff Appreciation Day (unanimous)
• Approved updated Guide to Requesting Information and Non-public data inventory (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda as amended, including warrants totaling $4,385,780.08 and various personnel actions (unanimous)
• Received and filed 2020 and 2021 financial updates from CFO Sandra Norikane
• Received and filed estimated Cass County redistricting timeline from Elections Administrator Pam Smith
• Discussed County Road 161 with Smoky Hollow Township; no formal action taken

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on July 12, 2021, to review and act on a full agenda of land-use applications. The agenda includes five property reclassifications, ten variance requests (mostly for reduced shoreline setbacks), and two conditional use permit applications, with field inspections scheduled for July 6, 2021.

• Reclassify 6.4 acres at 4883 66th St NW from Rural Residential-2.5 to Commercial-1 to expand Walker Storage (LaVallee Industries)
• Reclassify 40.41 acres at 7969 24th St SW from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential 10.0 to allow a 30-acre split (Pryor)
• Reclassify 60 acres at 3396 County Road 15 from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential 10.0 to allow six lots (Jennen)
• Variance to build new residence with 70-ft setback from Ada Lake OHWL (Gunsten, 729 12th Ave NW)
• Conditional use permit for family campground with 3 RVs on 1.7 acres at 8143 Meadow Lake Rd (Young)

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved four reclassification requests, five variance requests, and two conditional use permits, all with unanimous votes except one variance denial. The board also tabled two applications and denied three variance requests. All approvals are recommendations to the Cass County Board of Commissioners, except for the conditional use permits and variances which are final decisions.

• Approved reclassification of 6.4 acres in Shingobee Twp from Rural Residential-2.5 to Commercial-1 for Walker Storage expansion.
• Approved reclassification of 40.41 acres in Ansel Twp from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential 10.0 to allow a 30-acre split.
• Tabled reclassification of 60 acres in Ansel Twp from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential 10.0 for six lots.
• Approved reclassification of 1.43 acres in Unorganized Twp from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential-1.0 for compliance.
• Approved reclassification of 40.38 acres in Wilson Twp from Ag/Forested to Rural Residential 10.0 for a 10-acre split.
• Denied variance for a new residence with a 70' setback on Ada Lake (Ponto Lake Twp).
• Approved variance for a new septic system with a 75' setback on the Crow Wing River (May Twp).
• Tabled variance for a new residence and patio on Woman Lake (Woodrow Twp) for 60 days.

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the county's $5,784,222 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding categories and application, which would distribute funds to businesses, nonprofits, and local governments for COVID-19 recovery. The board will also hold a public hearing on changing the Little Sand Lake boat access from carry-in to trailer, and will review a proposed revision to the county's no-wake ordinance. Other items include awarding contracts for salt shed roofs, highway project 14002, and various consent agenda approvals.

• Approve $5,784,222 ARPA grant funding categories: $1.25M county projects, $1.2M business/nonprofit cash assistance, $1.5M infrastructure, $925K home health/learning, $900K other uses
• Public hearing on changing Little Sand Lake public boat access in Barclay Township from carry-in to trailer
• Award contract to replace salt shed roofs
• Award contract 14002 (highway project)
• Review proposed revision to Cass County 'No-Wake' Ordinance 1993-2

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved a $3,582,939.66 low bid from Anderson Brothers Construction for road contract 14002, covering projects on County Roads 14, 42, 43, and 79. The board also voted 4-1 to confirm the Little Sand Lake public boat access in Barclay Township as carry-in only, rejecting a proposed change to trailer access. Additionally, the board approved a $35,500 contract to Srock Construction for salt shed roof replacements, and approved the American Rescue Plan Act grant application and expenditure categories.

• Approved road contract 14002 to Anderson Brothers Construction for $3,582,939.66
• Confirmed Little Sand Lake public boat access as carry-in only (4-1 vote)
• Approved American Rescue Plan Act grant application and expenditure categories
• Awarded salt shed roof replacement to Srock Construction for $35,500
• Approved amendments to the Transfer Station contract, increasing hourly rate to $37.50
• Approved adding a MSW dumpster in Leader with an end date of September 30, 2021
• Tabled proposed 'No-Wake' Ordinance amendments until feedback from City of Lake Shore
• Established public hearing for fee schedule update on July 20, 2021

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board approved an observation well contract, several cost-share applications, and June bills. They also received reports on AIS and NRCS activities, and discussed hosting the September Area VIII meeting. No major policy changes were made; the meeting was largely routine.

• Approved the regular meeting agenda with the addition of the Michael Eberlein Cost Share Application.
• Approved the consent agenda, June bank statement, and June 3, 2021 minutes with one correction.
• Approved Observation Well Contract #196047 for three wells.
• Approved payment of $433.50 to Michael for CS284-21 PFM plan.
• Approved payment of $334.50 to Jean Whitney for CS270-20 PFM plan.
• Approved Amendment #1 to Louis Wiese's contract extending deadline to 09/01/21.
• Approved Lance Bragstad's cover crop and fence application for $1,652.00.
• Approved Dustin Wiese's cover crop application for $780.00.

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 38-21, requesting that the State of Minnesota provide a legislative financial solution using State General Fund money to address the final apportionable market value and order for judgment issued by the Tax Court in the Enbridge Energy case. The Board also approved a consent agenda that included numerous financial warrants, personnel notices, liquor license renewals, and other administrative items. Additionally, the Board approved several highway department items, including a joint powers agreement with the MnDNR for a road project, a contract amendment for garage door replacements, an agreement with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe for trails, and a recommendation to award a construction bid for a joint project with the City of Hackensack.

• Approved Resolution 38-21 requesting a State Legislative Financial Solution for the Enbridge Energy Tax Court findings.
• Adopted the consent agenda as amended, including the addition of a $600 Deep Portage fund use for Cass Lake Bena School.
• Approved a Joint Powers Agreement with the MnDNR for the Mud Goose Wildlife Management Area/County Road 139 Road Improvement project.
• Approved an amended contract with North Country Overhead Door, LLC to replace seven garage doors for $50,163.00.
• Approved an agreement with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe regarding trails within Cass County right-of-way on CSAH 60 and CSAH 75.
• Approved a recommendation to the City of Hackensack to award the construction bid for SAP 011-804-002 to Utility Systems America for $2,299,075.35.
• Adopted Resolution 39-21 to submit the Mississippi River Headwaters Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan to the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources.
• Approved the consent agenda, which included approving warrants totaling over $12 million, various personnel notices, and liquor license renewals.

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on June 14, 2021, and took action on several land use applications. They approved three reclassifications, seven variances, and one conditional use permit for a communications tower, while denying one variance and tabling several other applications. All votes were unanimous, with one recusal.

• Approved settlement agreement for Netter Properties (6-0)
• Approved reclassification for Seibert (6-0)
• Approved reclassification for Fritz (6-0)
• Approved reclassification for LaPorte (5-0, LaPorte recused)
• Approved variance for Witt (6-0)
• Tabled variance for Worley (6-0)
• Approved variance for Breitkreutz (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Karwacki (6-0)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The board unanimously approved the Mississippi River Headwaters One Watershed One Plan resolution, which will be submitted to BWSR and posted for public review. They also approved applying for a US Forest Service RAC grant for the Lake May culvert replacement once design and cost estimates are complete. Funding for Townline Lake Eurasian milfoil treatment was tabled pending updated survey data and concerns about fish populations. All other agenda items, including the consent agenda and May bills, were approved unanimously.

• Approved Mississippi River Headwaters 1W1P resolution (unanimous)
• Approved RAC grant application for Lake May culvert replacement (unanimous)
• Tabled Townline Lake Eurasian milfoil treatment funding (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with additions (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, May bank statement, and 5/6/21 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 bills (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider a range of administrative, financial, and operational items, including a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Plan, approval of contracts and leases, and various land and highway projects. The agenda includes both routine consent items and specific action items requiring board approval.

• Public hearing on Capital Improvement Plan
• Approve Longville Ambulance contract and lease updates
• Approve gate installation at Homebrook Hunter Walking Trail
• Award CM 2021-04 Noxious Weed Control project
• Approve Joint Powers Agreement with City of Hackensack

The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2021 Capital Improvement Plan with a five-year forecast, which includes $320,000 for deferred maintenance and anticipates funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The board also approved several contracts, including a $16,970 noxious weed control project and a $87,006.89 pavement markings project, and adopted resolutions to revoke and designate state aid highway miles for road transfers with East Gull Lake. A public hearing was set for July 6 to consider changing the Little Sand Lake water access from carry-in to trailer.

• Approved 2021 Capital Improvement Plan with five-year forecast (unanimous)
• Awarded noxious weed control contract to B&P Weed Control for $16,970 (unanimous)
• Awarded ground-in pavement messages project to Traffic Marking Service, Inc. for $87,006.89 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 35-21 revoking 0.75 miles of CSAH 18 to East Gull Lake (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 36-21 revoking 1.80 miles of CSAH 70 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 37-21 designating 3.06 miles of CSAH 70 (unanimous)
• Approved updated Longville Ambulance Building Lease and Contract Amendment (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for July 6 on Little Sand Lake water access change (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider establishing a committee to oversee the allocation of approximately $5.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and will also hold a public hearing on revoking a portion of CSAH 17 right of way. Other actions include appointing a committee for the ESD Deputy Director, approving a forfeited tax settlement, and authorizing a private land acquisition.

• Public hearing on revocation of a portion of CSAH 17 right of way to Loon Lake Township
• Motion to refer American Rescue Plan Act funding priorities to Budget Committee (approx. $5.8M)
• Establish committee to appoint ESD Deputy Director
• Approve forfeited tax settlement
• Approve private land acquisition

The board unanimously adopted Resolution 34-21 to revoke a portion of County State Aid Highway 17 right of way to Loon Lake Township, effective January 1, 2024. They also approved a $69,900 land acquisition in Fairview Township, set tax-forfeited settlement withholdings at 30% for reforestation and 20% for trails, and referred American Rescue Plan Act fund priorities to the Budget Committee.

• Adopted Resolution 34-21 revoking CSAH 17 right of way to Loon Lake Township (unanimous)
• Approved $69,900 private land acquisition in Fairview Township (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 33-21 setting 30% reforestation and 20% trails withholdings (unanimous)
• Referred American Rescue Plan Act funding priorities to Budget Committee (unanimous)
• Established committee to appoint Environmental Services Deputy Director (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor licenses and contracts (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on May 10, 2021, to review and decide on multiple land use applications, including reclassifications, a conditional use permit, and variances. The agenda includes a request by MN Power to reclassify two parcels for a 10-megawatt solar facility, several reclassifications to commercial zoning for auto-related businesses, and two variance requests for shoreline properties. The commission will also enter a closed session to discuss pending litigation under attorney-client privilege.

• MN Power requests reclassification of two 40-acre parcels in Sylvan Township to Commercial-2 for a 10 MW solar facility
• Nelson, Eric requests reclassification of 8.39 acres in Shingobee Township to Commercial-2 and a conditional use permit to expand Leech Lake Autoworks
• Snow, Calvin and Barb request reclassification of two parcels (5.2 and 24.34 acres) in Sylvan Township to Commercial-2 for auto sales
• Jones, Ann requests variance to build residence 60 ft from OHWL and 5.5 ft from property line on Leech Lake
• Closed session to discuss pending litigation (multiple court files) under Minn. Stat. § 13D.05

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved eight reclassification requests, one conditional use permit, and one variance, while denying one variance. All reclassifications and the CUP were recommended to the County Board for final adoption. The denied variance was for a cabin expansion on Pleasant Lake, which failed on a 6-1 vote.

• Approved reclassification of 14.5 acres from RR-10.0 to RR-2.5 (Hamson, Pine River Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of 40 acres from Ag/Forested to RR-10 (Minion, Wilson Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of two 40-acre parcels from RR-2.5 to Commercial-2 for solar facility (MN Power, Sylvan Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of 11.32 acres from RR-2.5 to Commercial-2 for auto repair (Rasmussen, Sylvan Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of 5.2 acres from RR-2.5 to Commercial-2 for auto sales (Snow, Sylvan Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of 24.34 acres from RR-2.5 to Commercial-2 for auto sales (Snow, Sylvan Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of 22 acres from Ag/Forested to RR-20 (Godfrey, Slater Twp) - unanimous
• Approved reclassification of 8.39 acres from RR-2 to Commercial-2 (Nelson, Shingobee Twp) - unanimous

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board approved several funding requests, including $3,558 for aquatic invasive species work by the Child, Girl, Woman Lake Association and $3,000 in matching funds for a noxious weed postcard mailing. They also approved cost-share payments for four landowners and continued a radio ad for one month. All decisions were unanimous except the postcard match, which passed 4-0 with one recusal.

• Approved $3,558 AIS request from Child, Girl, Woman Lake Association (unanimous)
• Approved $500 AIS request from Le Sueur County/Wildlife Forever (unanimous)
• Approved $3,000 matching funds for noxious weed postcard (4-0, Pehling recused)
• Approved $433.50 cost-share for Michael Eberlein CS284-21 (unanimous)
• Approved $523.37 payment to Darryl Metzger CS279-20 (unanimous)
• Approved $788.22 payment to Curtis Gladen Hubbard SWCD (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 payment to R. Ecker CS282-21 (unanimous)
• Approved April bills and bank statement (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a public hearing for the final adoption of an ordinance raising the minimum tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21. Additionally, the board will review plans to restore public access to county buildings and re-appoint Darrick Anderson as Highway Engineer.

• Re-appointment of Darrick Anderson as County Highway Engineer for a four-year term
• Public hearing for Ordinance 2021-01 to raise tobacco purchase age to 21
• Establishment of administrative fines for tobacco ordinance violations, ranging from $50 to $300
• Proposal to restore public access to County Buildings effective May 5, 2021
• Review of the 2021 Bridge Replacement Priority List

The board unanimously approved the final adoption of Tobacco Ordinance 2021-01, raising the minimum age to sell tobacco from 18 to 21, and adopted Resolution 30-21 setting administrative penalties. It also approved Resolution 32-21 reducing 2021 on-sale liquor license renewal fees by about 15% for businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Other actions included re-appointing Darrick Anderson as County Highway Engineer, restoring public access to county buildings, and committing $100,000 from Fund 73 to East Gull Lake for trail matching funds.

• Adopted Tobacco Ordinance 2021-01 raising minimum tobacco sales age to 21 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 30-21 setting tobacco violation penalties (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 32-21 reducing 2021 on-sale liquor license fees (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Darrick Anderson as County Highway Engineer for four-year term (unanimous)
• Restored public access to county buildings effective May 5, 2021 (unanimous)
• Committed $100,000 from Fund 73 to East Gull Lake for trail projects (unanimous)
• Awarded contract 60019 to Young Excavating for $524,216.31 (unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with East Gull Lake for road transfers (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on the second reading of Ordinance 2021-01, which raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, aligning with state and federal law. The board will also consider limiting public access to county buildings through May 18 due to COVID-19, approve a final payment on a highway contract, and receive updates from several departments.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance 2021-01 amending the Tobacco Ordinance to raise minimum purchase age to 21
• Motion to limit public access to county buildings through May 18, 2021, due to COVID-19
• Approve final payment on Contract 07007 (Highway Department)
• Approve additional 4th quarter budget request
• Approve SWCD Invoice #56 for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

The board approved limiting public access to county buildings through May 4, 2021, with courtrooms remaining open, in response to rising COVID-19 cases. It also approved the second reading of a tobacco ordinance raising the purchase age to 21, with final adoption scheduled for May 4. The board approved several financial actions, including a $500,000 transfer to capital projects and a $265,000 replenishment for compensated absences. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved limiting public access to county buildings through May 4, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved 2nd reading of Tobacco Ordinance 2021-01 raising purchase age to 21 (unanimous)
• Approved $500,000 transfer from HHVS fund to Capital Projects for Pine River Transfer Station (unanimous)
• Approved $265,000 replenishment of Compensated Absences fund balance (unanimous)
• Approved additional 4th quarter Road and Bridge budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved final payment on contract 07007 for rumble strips, $95,388.08 (unanimous)
• Approved County Driveway/Entrance Access Policy with $500 deposit (unanimous)
• Adopted amendments to Land Use and Environmental Definitions Ordinances (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will meet to consider several applications for land reclassification, conditional use permits, and variances. Items include requests for extractive use expansions, residential additions near shorelines, and structural height adjustments.

• Variance request for a structure height increase from 22’ to 26’ at 13033 Deborah Ln SW
• Conditional Use Permit for sand/gravel mining and asphalt plant in May Township
• Reclassification of 3.51 acres from Shoreland Residential to Water Oriented Commercial near Birch Ridge Resort
• Expansion of existing extractive use for sand/gravel mining at RW Acres (Shop Pit)
• Conditional Use Permit for adding 8 RV sites and a septic system at Trails RV Park

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will hold public hearings on a tobacco ordinance amendment and land use definitions, consider adopting a forest management plan for Deep Portage, and vote on several contracts and software purchases. The agenda includes routine consent items and reports from committees.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 2021-01 amending the tobacco ordinance
• Adopt Deep Portage Forest Resource Management Plan 2021-2029
• Approve new payroll software and withdraw from MCIS payroll
• Award contracts for roadway striping, chloride application, and aggregate surfacing
• Approve increased solid waste tipping fees

The Cass County Board approved a contract with UKG for new payroll and human resources software through the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative, and adopted a resolution to withdraw from the current MCIS payroll service. The board also approved a $2.50 per ton increase in solid waste tipping fees at the Pine River Transfer Station, effective June 1, 2021, raising the rate from $76.91 to $79.41 per ton. Additionally, the board approved the first reading of a tobacco ordinance amendment raising the purchase age to 21, and approved a second reading of land use ordinance changes with a third reading scheduled for April 20.

• Approved the regular agenda and consent agenda unanimously, including warrants, personnel actions, and various approvals.
• Approved the Deep Portage Forest Resource Management Plan for 2021-2029 and adding mobility waiver language to the website.
• Approved the first reading of Ordinance 2021-01 amending the tobacco ordinance to raise the purchase age to 21, with a second reading scheduled for April 20.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Leech Lake Tribal Council for a Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative partnership.
• Approved a contract with UKG for new payroll and HR software, and adopted Resolution 24-21 to withdraw from MCIS payroll services.
• Awarded the 2021 Roadway Maintenance Striping Project to Traffic Marking Service for $95,405.69.
• Awarded the 2021 Chloride Application contract to Edwards Oil, Inc. for $327,470.75 (3-2 vote).
• Approved a $2.50 per ton increase in solid waste tipping fees at the Pine River Transfer Station, effective June 1, 2021.

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass SWCD board unanimously approved a new Soil Health Cost Share Policy and contract, limiting cost-share to projects in the Pine River and Leech Lake watersheds with a cap of 80 acres per applicant. They also approved several AIS fund allocations, including $600 for Steamboat Lake Association signs, $3,000 for KARE 11 Cabin Cast, $150 for WLBCR Lake Association vegetation survey, and $1,250 for Becker SWCD's Linders Angling Buzz. Cost-share contracts were approved for Cory Borman ($1,003.20), Richard Ecker ($1,000), Thomas Goeppner ($556), and Greg Pelkey ($1,000). Payments were approved to Hubbard SWCD ($24,000) and HRGreen ($1,355.50) from watershed grants, along with March bills.

• Approved Soil Health Cost Share Policy and contract as submitted
• Approved $600 from AIS funds for Steamboat Lake Association signs
• Approved $3,000 from AIS funds for KARE 11 Cabin Cast campaign
• Approved $150 from AIS funds for WLBCR Lake Association vegetation survey
• Approved $1,250 from AIS funds for Becker SWCD Linders Angling Buzz
• Approved cost-share contracts: Borman $1,003.20, Ecker $1,000, Goeppner $556, Pelkey $1,000
• Approved $24,000 payment to Hubbard SWCD for watershed grant
• Approved $1,355.50 payment to HRGreen for stormwater analysis

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hear reports and consider routine consent agenda items, including contracts, grants, and licenses. They will also discuss establishing a public hearing for the second reading of environmental definitions and land use ordinance changes, and approve a contract to update the county comprehensive plan. The board will receive annual reports from Health, Human and Veterans Services, the Sheriff, and the Chief Financial Officer, along with updates on family child care licensing and a committee report on Deep Portage timber management.

• Establish public hearing for 2nd reading of Environmental Definitions and Land Use Ordinance
• Approve contract to update Cass County Comprehensive Plan
• Approve grant with MN Department of Health for COVID-19 Case Investigations & Contact Tracing
• Approve amendment to Road Use Agreement with Enbridge
• Award demolition and tree planting contracts

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved the final 2020 budget amendments, a contract to update the Comprehensive Plan, and established a public hearing for the second reading of Environmental and Land Use Ordinances. They also approved several resolutions, including detour agreements with MnDOT and a gambling permit, and received various reports from departments.

• Approved final 2020 Budget Amendments (unanimous)
• Approved Huston Engineering contract for Comprehensive Plan update, not to exceed $19,872 (unanimous)
• Established public hearing for 2nd reading of Environmental Definitions and Land Use Ordinances on April 6, 2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 20-21 for MnDOT Trunk Highway 6 detour agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 21-21 for MnDOT Trunk Highway 84 detour agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 22-21 for PRBHS Clay Target League gambling permit (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling over $1.4 million and various contracts (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 EMPG grant of $27,802 with local match (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on March 8, 2021, to review 13 variance applications and conditional use permits. Most items involve shoreline property on area lakes, seeking relief from setback and height rules. The commission will also consider a sand/gravel mining operation and a communications tower.

• Variance for 29-ft garage on riparian lot (Doyle, Sylvan Lake)
• Variance for second-story addition 51 ft from Leech Lake (Ysteboe)
• CUP for sand/gravel mining, asphalt plant (Anderson Brothers, May Twp)
• CUP for 333-ft communications tower (McCain, Torrey Twp)
• Variance for 1000-sf accessory dwelling unit (Devore, Wabedo Lake)

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment met on March 8, 2021, and acted on multiple variance and conditional use permit applications. They denied a variance for a garage exceeding height limits on a riparian lot, approved several other variances with conditions, and tabled two applications for further review. A conditional use permit for a communications tower was approved, while a sand/gravel mining operation was tabled.

• Denied variance for 29-ft garage on riparian lot at 2211 Red Oak Dr (unanimous)
• Approved second-story addition variance at 6960 Mulberry Trl NW (6-1, Moore nay)
• Approved residential reconstruction variance at 5319 Ten Mile Ln NW (unanimous)
• Denied sauna variance at 8400 Spring Curve Ln NW (unanimous)
• Approved after-the-fact variance for screen porch at 4501 Pine Point Cir NW (unanimous)
• Denied after-the-fact variance for shed at 4206 Basswood Tr NW, allowed light towers (unanimous)
• Approved septic system variance at 10474 Chippewa Beach Rd NW (unanimous)
• Approved garage addition variance at 10462 Vermillion Pt Dr NE (unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District board will review reports and take action on several items, including approving a contribution to MHB from AIS funds, discussing and approving NACD dues for 2021, and reviewing the EQIP payment rates. They will also consider approving an agricultural outreach contract and multiple cost-share payments for conservation projects.

• Approve contribution to MHB from AIS funds
• Discuss and approve NACD dues for 2021
• Review EQIP payment rates for 2021
• Approve and pay cost-share applications: Albers Acres CS266-20, Albro's Leasing CS267-20, Wayne Buckley - Hubbard PFM, Jim Gahagan CS263-20, Nicholas Peters CS280-21
• Approve bills paid for February 2021

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board met and unanimously approved several items, including a letter of support for clean water funding, a $8,570 contribution to MHB from AIS funds, 2021 NACD dues of $350, and an ag outreach contract for consultant Denny Blowers. They also approved multiple cost-share payments for conservation plans and well sealing, and adopted the agenda and consent agenda. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these approvals.

• Adopted the regular meeting agenda with an added cost share application.
• Adopted the consent agenda, February bank statement, and minutes from 02/04/2021.
• Approved a letter of support for clean water funding to be sent to MN state legislators.
• Approved a $8,570 contribution to MHB from AIS funds.
• Approved 2021 NACD dues of $350.
• Approved an ag outreach contract for consultant Denny Blowers.
• Approved and paid multiple cost-share applications (Albro's Leasing, Darrell Batty, Albers Acres, Wayne Buckley, Jim Gahagan, Nicholas Peters) totaling $3,570.
• Approved bills paid for February 2021 as presented.

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several action items, including approving COVID-19 relief grant awards, replacing two bridges, and adopting a road improvement resolution with Woodrow Township. The board will also receive reports from committees on gravel extraction from county land, Deep Portage area management, and SWCD liaison, with a motion to start a conditional use permit for a county gravel pit. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, warrants, licenses, and service agreements.

• Approve MN COVID-19 Relief Grant Awards
• Approve CR 103 (Bridge 88243) & CSAH 25 (Bridge 5711) Replacements
• Adopt Local Road Improvement Program Resolution with Woodrow Township
• Motion to start conditional use permit process for County gravel pit in Pine River and Walden Townships
• Approve Direct Sale to the City of Cass Lake

The Cass County Board approved $7,111 in administrative funds to cover COVID-19 relief grants for 45 businesses and organizations, avoiding denial of any awards. They also approved replacing two bridges (CR 103 and CSAH 25) with box culverts, using local funds for the CSAH 25 project. The board directed the Highway Department to inventory gravel on county land and approved sponsoring Woodrow Township's road improvement grant application.

• Approved COVID-19 relief grants totaling $7,111 in administrative funds for 45 applicants.
• Adopted Resolution 18-21 to replace CR 103 and CSAH 25 bridges with box culverts.
• Adopted Resolution 19-21 to sponsor Woodrow Township's LRIP grant application.
• Directed Highway Department to inventory gravel resources on county land.
• Approved consent agenda including warrants, licenses, and personnel actions.
• Approved limiting public access to county buildings through April 20, 2021.
• Approved direct sale of three parcels to City of Cass Lake for $11,057.37.
• Approved survey contracts for multiple projects totaling $32,350.

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on an off-sale liquor license for The Pines Resort & Campground, review proposed revisions to the county tobacco ordinance to raise the purchase age to 21, and consider several road improvement resolutions. The board will also receive updates on COVID-19 vaccinations, a housing study, and various annual reports. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as warrants, personnel items, and grant awards.

• Public hearing on off-sale intoxicating liquor license for The Pines Resort & Campground, 17221 Winnie Dam Rd NE, Deer River
• Review proposed revisions to Cass County Tobacco Ordinance to raise minimum purchase age from 18 to 21
• Adopt Local Road Improvement Program resolutions with Shingobee Township, East Gull Lake, Cass Lake, and joint application with Crow Wing County on CR 167/170
• Accept land donation from The Conservation Fund
• Approve MN COVID-19 Relief Grant Awards and receive COVID-19 vaccine implementation funds

The Cass County Board approved $100,000 in Minnesota COVID-19 Relief Grant awards to 34 local businesses and organizations, with Commissioner Gaalswyk abstaining. The board also approved several road improvement project sponsorships, accepted a land donation, and approved an additional $10,000 for a housing study.

• Approved $100,000 in MN COVID-19 Relief Grants to 34 recipients (4-0, Gaalswyk abstained)
• Approved $10,000 from Commissioner budget for Cass County Housing Study (unanimous)
• Accepted ~445-acre land donation from The Conservation Fund for county forest management (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 10-21 sponsoring Shingobee Township LRIP grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 13-21 sponsoring CSAH 37 LRIP grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 14-21 supporting joint LRIP application with Crow Wing County for CR 167/170 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 15-21 sponsoring City of East Gull Lake LRIP grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 16-21 sponsoring City of Cass Lake LRIP grant application (unanimous)

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on February 8, 2021, to review five variance applications for residential additions or structures near lakes and rivers, plus a proposed 2021 Variance Application form. Field inspections for these applications were conducted on February 1, 2021. The commission will decide whether to approve or deny each variance based on the county's Land Use Ordinance criteria.

• Christopher Allen: residential addition at 69' from Sanborn Lake OHWL (setback requires 100')
• Craig Brochhagen: residential addition at 95' from Blackwater Lake OHWL (setback requires 100')
• Cheryl Doyle: new garage with guest quarters exceeding 24' height on Sylvan Lake
• Renae Hansen: residential addition at 68' from Leech Lake OHWL (setback requires 75')
• Robert and Michelle Kadus: new home with attached garage at 95' from Crow Wing River (setback requires 150')

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved variances for residential additions on Sanborn Lake, Leech Lake, and the Crow Wing River, each with conditions. They denied variances for a residential addition on Blackwater Lake and for guest quarters on Sylvan Lake, and tabled a related garage height variance request.

• Approved residential addition variance at 795 32nd Ave NW, Sanborn Lake (unanimous)
• Denied residential addition variance at 690 26th St NW, Blackwater Lake (unanimous)
• Denied guest quarters variance at 2211 Red Oak Drive, Sylvan Lake (unanimous)
• Tabled garage height variance at 2211 Red Oak Drive, Sylvan Lake (unanimous)
• Approved second story addition variance at 4501 Pine Point Circle NW, Leech Lake (unanimous)
• Approved new residential structure variance at 13033 Deborah Ln SW, Crow Wing River (unanimous)

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District Board will approve the audit bid from Peterson Company Ltd and appoint a banking institution. The meeting includes reports from NRCS, BWSR, and AIS staff, as well as a discussion of a newspaper article regarding stormwater and Leech Lake. The board will also review and approve four cost-share applications for landowners.

• Approve the Audit Bid from Peterson Company Ltd
• Approve and Pay Greg Pelkey CS281-20
• Approve and Pay Mark Notch CS235-20
• Approve and Pay Doug Malark CS271-20
• Approve and Pay Matthew Koenig CS277-20

The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District board approved several cost-share payments, including $5,778.75 for shoreline stabilization, and authorized a $1,991.25 donation for zebra mussel monitoring. They also approved a 50-hour contract for agricultural outreach and appointed the First National Bank of Walker as the official bank. All decisions were unanimous with one member absent.

• Approved $1,991.25 donation for Leech Lake Association zebra mussel monitoring (unanimous)
• Appointed First National Bank of Walker as official bank (unanimous)
• Approved audit bid from Peterson Company Ltd (unanimous)
• Approved $125 payment to Pat Miller for newspaper article (unanimous)
• Approved 50-hour LLCWMP Ag Outreach contract with Abe Hollister at $55/hour (unanimous)
• Approved $5,778.75 payment to NYE Sisters LLC for shoreline stabilization (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 PFM plan for Greg Pelkey (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 PFM plan for Mark Notch (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board will consider committing $50,000 from Fund 73 as matching funds for a Shingobee Connection Trail safety improvement (Phase VI) to build an underpass crossing MN Highway 371-200 near Walker. The board will also vote on citizen committee appointments, the 2021 summer meeting schedule, a forest certification audit, the 2021 tax-forfeit land sale, and several road-related resolutions.

• Fund 73 request: $50,000 match for MnDOT Transportation Alternative Program grant ($200,000 requested) for underpass at Hwy 371-200 near Walker
• Approve 2021 Tax Forfeit Land Sale
• Adopt Local Road Improvement Program resolutions with Ponto Lake Township and City of Walker
• CSAH 204 Hackensack on-street parking layout
• Approve MN COVID-19 Relief Grant Awards and MOU with BCA for HHVS

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to receive the 2021 legislative priorities, hear a COVID-19 vaccination update, consider establishing a committee to review gravel extraction policy, and vote on approving the Forest Resources Management Plan. The board will also consider a consent agenda with routine items and approve an HVAC upgrade for highway offices.

• Receive and file 2021 legislative priorities, including transportation, mental health, and tribal tax agreements
• Receive COVID-19 vaccination update: 80 vaccines administered as of Jan 8, 2021
• Approve Forest Resources Management Plan for 255,000 acres of tax-forfeited land
• Establish committee to review County Land Gravel Extraction Policy
• Approve HVAC upgrade for Highway Offices

Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to review and decide on several land-use applications, including variances for residential structures, a conditional use permit for a seasonal RV park, and after-the-fact approvals for a zipline facility. The agenda also includes scheduling a public hearing for proposed Land Use and Environmental Definitions Ordinances.

• Variance for reduced setbacks at 6066 Grandview Loop NE (O'Hotto/Stone)
• Variance for reduced setback to ROW at 885 32nd Ave NW (Sherrard)
• Variance for garage with guest quarters at 338 Sunrise Drive (Brown)
• After-the-fact variance and CUP for zipline towers over 30 ft at 9898 County 77 SW (Kerfoot)
• CUP for 49-unit seasonal RV park at 2591 Bluegrass Blvd SW (Pine River Area Foundation)

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved an after-the-fact variance and conditional use permit for Ski Gull Zipline Adventures, allowing existing zipline towers over 30 feet and the outdoor recreation business to remain, with conditions. They also approved a reduced setback variance for a garage on Sanborn Lake, denied a variance for a garage with guest quarters, and tabled a conditional use permit for a 49-unit seasonal RV park at the Pine River Area Foundation Events Campground pending more information.

• Approved after-the-fact variance for zipline towers over 30' at Ski Gull Zipline Adventures (unanimous)
• Approved after-the-fact conditional use permit for zipline tours at Ski Gull Zipline Adventures (unanimous)
• Approved reduced setback variance for garage at 885 32nd Ave NW, Powers Township (unanimous, 6 present)
• Denied variance for garage with guest quarters at 338 Sunrise Drive, Ponto Lake Township (unanimous)
• Tabled conditional use permit for 49-unit seasonal RV park at Pine River Area Foundation (unanimous)
• Withdrawn: variance application for residential structure at 6066 Grandview Loop NE, Kego Township
• Scheduled public hearing for Land Use and Environmental Definitions Ordinances for Feb 22, 2021

Soil and Water Conservation District

The Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District board will hold its regular meeting to reorganize, swear in elected supervisors, and approve routine items like the consent agenda, December bank statement, and minutes. They will also discuss the county comprehensive plan, hear reports from staff and partner agencies, and consider cost-share applications and payments for 2021 dues and invoices.

• Pay MASWCD dues for 2021
• Pay MCIT invoice for 2021
• Approve payment of two invoices to Ulteig Engineers from LLRW grant
• Review, discuss, and approve 2020 AIS report and 2021 AIS budget
• Review and approve cost-share application Nicholas Peters CS280-21

County Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners is holding its annual reorganization meeting, including administering the oath of office to three commissioners, electing a 2021 chair and vice chair, and adopting the 2021 business rules and meeting schedule. The board will also consider a large consent agenda covering routine approvals, personnel items, licenses, and various agreements, including COVID-19 related grants and purchase of service contracts.

• Election of Commissioner Peterson as 2021 Chair and Commissioner Kangas as Vice Chair
• Adopt Resolution 01-21 establishing 2021 County Board Business Rules
• Approve Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Grant
• Approve Amendment No. 1 for COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant Contract Agreement
• Approve standard mileage rate and daily meal reimbursement for 2021

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved a COVID-19 relief grant program funded by $572,888.92 from the State of Minnesota. The program provides grants of $2,000 to $4,000 to local businesses and non-profits, with priority given to those that did not previously receive county COVID-19 funding. The board also approved the 2021 business rules, committee appointments, and meeting schedule.

• Approved COVID-19 relief grant program with $2,000-$4,000 grants (unanimous)
• Adopted 2021 County Board Meeting Rules of Business (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 committee appointments (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 02-21 designating Pilot Independent as official newspaper (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 County Board meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved limiting public access to County Buildings through March 2, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling over $2.2 million (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 annual newsletter production (unanimous)