Itasca County public meetings in 2024
28 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Board
The Board of Commissioners will hold a special session to determine 2025 salaries for several elected officials and compensation for appointed employees. The meeting also includes discussions on American Rescue Plan funding and the County Assessor business model.
- 2025 salaries for County Attorney
- 2025 salaries for County Auditor/Treasurer
- 2025 salaries for County Recorder
- 2025 salaries for County Sheriff
- 2025 salaries for County Commissioners/Chair
County Board
The Itasca County Board holds a work session to discuss upcoming contracts, program updates, and salary adjustments. Commissioners will review several 2025‑2026 contracts and American Rescue Plan requests before setting the 2025 salaries for elected officials. A closed‑session segment will address labor negotiations.
- 2025‑2026 Crisis Contract presentation by Becky Lauer
- 2025‑2026 CSP Contract presentation by Becky Lauer
- 2025 Medical Consultant Contract for Public Health presented by Naesa Myers
- 2025 Fairgrounds Park Property Management Contract presented by Spring Higley and Kory Cease
- Set 2025 salary for County Sheriff (Chair presentation)
Regional Railroad Authority
The Itasca County Regional Railroad Authority will discuss a request to retain outside legal counsel, specifically Jacob Fauchald and Karin Grandia. The item is listed under the Discussion/Informational section, indicating no formal vote is scheduled. The meeting is a special session held on December 12, 2024.
- Request to retain outside legal counsel (Jacob Fauchald, Karin Grandia) – discussion/informational
County Board
The Board of Commissioners will consider funding requests from the Transportation Department and Kiesler Wellness Center using American Rescue Plan funds. The meeting includes decisions on liquor licenses, service contracts, and highway construction labor agreements for 2025.
- Award of 2026 Containerized Seedling Contract to PRT USA, Inc. for $48,462.60
- Contract 67009 for two CSAH 70 Bridge Replacements awarded to S & R Reinforcing, Inc.
- Project Labor Agreements for 2025 Highway Construction Projects
- New 2025 tobacco license for Rocket's Liquor LLC in Cohasset
- MnDOT Limited Use Permit Resolution for Greenway Trail
Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment
The commission will review a conditional use application for a 250‑ft communications tower with a 9‑ft lightning rod proposed by Verizon Wireless/Hundred Acre Wood Resort LLC in Section 27, Unorganized Township 145‑26. It will also consider a variance request to allow a 28‑by‑28‑ft garage that does not meet setback requirements from US Hwy 2, the side property line, and the ordinary high water level of Sand Lake, submitted by Healing Faith Trust for Lot 5, Aud. Subd. 2, Feeley Township. The meeting includes routine items such as approval of the minutes from the 11/13/2024 meeting and a report from the Water Plan Implementation Committee.
- Conditional use application for a 250‑ft communications tower (Verizon Wireless/Hundred Acre Wood Resort LLC) – Section 27, Unorganized Township 145‑26
- Variance request for a 28’ x 28’ garage not meeting setbacks from US Hwy 2, side property line, and Sand Lake OHWL – Lot 5, Aud. Subd. 2, Feeley Township (Healing Faith Trust)
- Approval of minutes from the 11/13/2024 regular meeting
- Water Plan Implementation Committee (WPIC) report
- Adjournment of Planning Commission meeting and opening of Board of Adjustment meeting
County Board
The board will consider several consent‑agenda items, including approval of health‑services contracts, a reallocation of a health educator position, the award of a bridge‑replacement contract, a $48,462.60 seedling contract, and a contract for Scenic Buck Lake Pit expansion. The work session also includes informational presentations on local cannabis management, highway project labor agreements, Habitat for Humanity, the Kiesler Wellness Center, and economic‑development service contracts. The meeting will conclude with a public session on levy and budget adoption.
- Approve Itasca County Health and Human Services 2025 Purchase of Service Contracts and authorize signatures.
- Reallocate one open Health Educator position to a Public Health Nurse position.
- Award contract 67009 for two CSAH 70 Bridge Replacements to S & R Reinforcing, Inc.
- Award the 2026 Containerized Seedling Contract to PRT USA, Inc. for $48,462.60 from Forest Resources Fund 12.
- Approve service contract with TNT Construction Group LLC for expansion of the Scenic Buck Lake Pit.
County Board
The Itasca County Board of Commissioners will review funding requests from the Sheriff's Office, Bigfork Valley Community Foundation, and Marcell Family Center. The board is also deciding on several infrastructure payments and a nursing facility application.
- 2025 Equitable Cost-Sharing for Publicly Owned Nursing Facilities (ECPN) Application for $109,504.40
- Final payments for bridge replacement on CR 336, 2024 Bituminous Projects, and grading/base project on CSAH 52
- Tobacco license for Circle K #2746564 at 105 SW 23rd Ave, Grand Rapids
- American Rescue Plan (ARP) requests for the Sheriff's Office, Bigfork Valley Community Foundation, and Marcell Family Center
- Updated Itasca County Timber Sale Policy
County Board
The Itasca County Board will consider a consent agenda approving several contracts, final payments, a lease amendment, and an updated timber sale policy. Discussion items include citizen input, commissioner warrants, a proposed TIF district for Grand Rapids, the CEDA 2024 final report, and a resolution to adopt the Comprehensive Water Management Plan for the Upper Mississippi–Grand Rapids Watershed. The board will also address a protective footwear policy, out‑of‑state travel for training, and 2025 legislative priorities.
- Approve final payment for Contract 59832, a bridge replacement project on CR 336
- Approve final payment for Contract 63512 – 2024 Bituminous Projects
- Approve amendment #8 to Thistledew Camp Lease #9887 with the Department of Corrections
- Resolution to adopt and implement the Comprehensive Water Management Plan for the Upper Mississippi–Grand Rapids Watershed
- City of Grand Rapids establishment of TIF District 1-17
Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment
The Itasca County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment will approve the minutes from the October 9 meeting, consider a conditional use request to build a second Group Home II for up to 16 residents at Cohasset Heights, and evaluate multiple variance applications that seek setbacks and size exceptions for structures near lakes and highways.
- Conditional Use to construct a second Group Home II (up to 16 residents) on Lots 17 & 18, Cohasset Heights, Section 34, Unorganized Township 56-26 (within 1,000 ft of Bass Lake)
- Variance for a 16’x56’ manufactured home and 6’x56’ deck at Lots 27‑30, Urika Beach, Section 23, Harris Township (setback from OHWL of Pokegama Lake)
- Variance to replace a 24’x32’ garage with a 28’x40’ garage at Govt Lot 3, Section 20, Marcell Township (setback from State Hwy 38 and OHWL of Little North Star Lake)
- Variance for a 4,800 SF addition at Govt Lot 10, Section 18, Marcell Township (setback from State Hwy 38 and impervious‑surface limits)
- Variance to construct a 10’x50’ deck at Lot 2, Block 1, Thorpe Bros Deer Lake Cabin Sites, Section 31, Unorganized Township 57-26 (setback from OHWL of Deer Lake)
Regional Railroad Authority
The Itasca County Regional Railroad Authority will convene to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss the 2025 schedule of regular meetings and the Mesabi Trail. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Itasca County Boardroom.
- Approve minutes from July 9, 2024 meeting
- 2025 Schedule of Regular Meetings discussion
- Mesabi Trail Discussion
- Meeting location: Itasca County Boardroom
- Meeting date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
County Board
The Itasca County Board will consider several agreements, including a joint powers amendment with the City of Grand Rapids and a Taconite State Trail agreement. Commissioners will discuss local regulation of adult-use cannabis and a Lights in the Pines event agreement. A closed‑session item will address the Walmart vs. Itasca County lawsuit. The meeting also includes updates on legislative priorities and county assessor matters.
- Approve amendment to Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Grand Rapids
- Approve Taconite State Trail Agreement between Itasca County and the State of Minnesota
- Discuss local regulation of adult-use cannabis
- Review Lights in the Pines event agreement
- Closed session: Walmart vs. Itasca County lawsuit
County Board
The Itasca County Board will consider a consent agenda that includes routine approvals such as a $12,460 state grant for airport improvements, appointments to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and contracts for local health providers. The board will also vote on a $93,090 service contract with Widseth for design, bidding and construction management of the Squaw Lake Multi-use Recreational Trail bridge. Regular agenda items cover citizen input, employee recognition, various warrants, a bid award for a runway obstruction removals project, a memorandum with Teamsters Local 320, and a TriMin contract ratification. Part of the meeting may be closed to the public for confidential matters.
- Authorize $12,460 Minnesota DOT grant agreement for Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport improvement (Project No. A3101-103).
- Appoint Kim Clark as Resident Commissioner on the Itasca County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (term until Dec 31, 2025).
- Authorize IMCare Director and County Board Chair to sign contracts with Grand Rapids Orthodontics and Port City Dental dba West Range Dental.
- Approve $93,090 service contract with Widseth for professional design, bidding, and construction management of the Squaw Lake Multi-use Recreational Trail bridge.
- Award bid for the Runway Obstruction Removals Project.
County Board
The Itasca County Board will meet for a work session to discuss and vote on several items, including a grant agreement for airport improvements and a service contract for a recreational trail bridge. The board will also consider designating two county roads as memorial by-ways and appointing a commissioner to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
- Authorize $12,460 Minnesota DOT grant for Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport
- Approve $93,090 contract with Widseth for Squaw Lake Multi-use Recreational Trail bridge
- Appoint Kim Clark to Itasca County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
- Designate County Road 59 as Mason L. Hurlbut Memorial By-Way
- Designate County Road 57 as Jack R. Ziemer MIA/POW Memorial By-Way
Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will meet to consider two variance requests regarding property setbacks. These requests involve the construction of a manufactured home and the replacement of a garage.
- Variance for 16’x56’ manufactured home and 6’x56’ deck at Lot 29, Urika Beach, Harris Township
- Variance for 28’x40’ garage replacement at Part of Govt Lot 3, Section 20, Marcell Township
County Board
The Itasca County Board will review routine consent agenda items, including appointments and inter‑agency agreements, before moving to regular agenda business. Commissioners will discuss a generator maintenance proposal, reschedule the 2025 budget and levy public meeting, and consider a storage lease agreement with the ICAA. A closed session will address labor negotiations.
- Appoint Janet Bilden to the Water Plan Implementation Committee (District #3 vacancy, 2024‑2027)
- Approve a three‑year Memorandum of Agreement with University of Minnesota Extension
- Authorize IMCare Director and County Board Chair to sign contract with Grey Matter, LLC
- Generator Maintenance Proposal
- Storage Lease Agreement with ICAA
County Board
The Itasca County Board will review several items, including appointing a member to the Water Plan Implementation Committee and approving a three‑year memorandum of agreement with the University of Minnesota Extension. The board will also authorize signatures for a contract between IMCare and Grey Matter, LLC. Additional discussion topics include citizen input, commissioner warrants, a facilities department position reallocation, a request for Northwestern MN Juvenile Center membership, an IRRR culture and tourism grant application, and a storage lease agreement with ICAA.
- Appoint Janet Bilden to the Water Plan Implementation Committee (District #3 vacancy)
- Approve a three‑year Memorandum of Agreement with University of Minnesota Extension
- Authorize IMCare Director and County Board Chair to sign contract with Grey Matter, LLC
- Contract award for the Bass Lake Park Project
- Storage lease agreement with ICAA
County Board
The Board of Commissioners will review the 2025 proposed levy and receive an update on the County Based Purchasing (IMCare) Division. The meeting also includes approvals for airport grants and bridge service contracts.
- 2025 Proposed Levy
- FAA Grant Agreement for Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport Project No. 3-27-0037-030-2024
- Bridge construction inspection contract with LHB for CSAH 70 over Trout Creek and Swan River
- Bridge design contract with Bolton & Menk for CSAH 71 over Swan River and CR 533 over Deer River
- Closed session regarding labor negotiations
County Board
The Itasca County Board will meet to approve a liquor permit and two bridge service contracts. The session includes a closed discussion on labor negotiations.
- Approve Set-up Liquor Permit for Barn in the Woods Wedding & Event Center
- Authorize contract with LHB for bridge construction inspection services
- Authorize contract with Bolton & Menk for bridge design services
- Closed session to discuss labor negotiations
- Upcoming budget work session on September 24
Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment will meet to consider five requests for variances from the Zoning Ordinance. These requests involve setbacks for garages, a pole building, and sewage or holding tank installations.
- Variance for 30’x30’ garage setback from W Horseshoe Lake Road and rear property line (Richard & Sharon Kleinau)
- Variance for 30’x40’ pole building addition setback from State Hwy 65 and West Buck Lake Road (Jay & Yvonne Hinnekamp)
- Variance for 32’x50’ garage and sewage treatment setback from Burrows Lake OHWL (William & Kelly Grunz)
- Variance for 22’x36’ garage setback from Pleasant Circle Road and rear property line (Timothy Kerian)
- Variance for holding tank setback from Little Bass Lake OHWL (Ryan & Lynne Anderson)
County Board
The Itasca County Board will consider several consent agenda items, including a one‑day liquor license for Great Tails Animal Rescue, laptop donations to local clinics, an event lease for the North Star Expo, a $68,950 landscape design contract, and final payment for a paving contract. The regular agenda includes discussion of a joint powers agreement with the City of Grand Rapids, American Rescue Plan requests from Nashwauk and Bearville townships, and a reappointment performance review. A closed session will address labor negotiations.
- Approve a One Day On‑Sale Liquor License for Great Tails Animal Rescue at 37037 Baich Rd, Bovey, MN
- Approve donation of 4 laptops and docks to Project Care Clinic and 2 laptops and docks to Bovey Public Library
- Approve Event Lease Agreement for the 2024 North Star Expo with the Minnesota Timber Producers Association
- Approve service contract with Aune Fernandez Landscape Architects for $68,950 for design, bidding, and construction management services
- Approve final payment for Contract 60732 – Bituminous Paving Projects
County Board
The Itasca County Board of Commissioners will consider several consent agenda items, including an amendment to the joint powers agreement with the City of Grand Rapids, a donation of laptops to Project Care Clinic and Bovey Public Library, and the final payment for Contract 60732 covering bituminous paving projects. The board will also review event lease agreements for the 2024 North Star Expo. Additional discussion topics include a wheelage tax, an ATV trail proposal, an American Rescue Plan request for the City of Bovey, and a housing authority update. The meeting includes a closed‑session portion on the County Assessor reappointment performance review.
- Approve amendment to Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Grand Rapids
- Approve donation of 4 laptops and docks to Project Care Clinic and 2 laptops and docks to Bovey Public Library
- Approve final payment for Contract 60732 – Bituminous Paving Projects
- Approve Event Lease Agreement with Minnesota Timber Producers Association for the 2024 North Star Expo
- Discuss wheelage tax
County Board
The County Board of Commissioners will consider several service contracts and land repurchases. The meeting includes presentations from Second Harvest Northland and the 2023 SWCD Activities Report, as well as closed sessions regarding courthouse security and labor negotiations.
- Service contract with Minnesota Pergolas for $54,550.00
- Rent concession for one classroom not to exceed $6,552.00
- Repurchase of part of Government Lot One, Section 24, Township 55 North, Range 22 West
- Repurchase of Lots 20 and 21, Second Addition to Swan Lake
- Truancy Prevention Contract between ICHHS and Ross Resources, Ltd.
County Board
The County Board is meeting for a work session to review several contracts and land-related requests. The agenda includes a public hearing regarding a rezone application and a request to repurchase a tax-forfeited parcel.
- Public hearing for rezone application of David Eckstein and Katie Benes
- Service contract with Minnesota Pergolas for $54,550.00
- Truancy Prevention Contract between ICHHS and Ross Resources, Ltd.
- Rent concession for one classroom not to exceed $6,552.00
- Repurchase application for tax-forfeited parcel by John Cline and Michael Gibbons
Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment
The Itasca County Planning Commission will meet to discuss a rezoning request in Harris Township. The body will also receive a report from the Water Plan Implementation Committee.
- Proposed rezone from Recreational Commercial to Rural Residential for David & Jacalyn Eckstein in Harris Township (Section 17)
County Board
The Itasca County Board will consider routine consent‑agenda items, including appointments, resignations, a donation of equipment, and a $1,500,000 fund transfer for road maintenance. After citizen input and employee recognition, commissioners will address warrants. The meeting includes a public hearing to adopt a short‑term rental ordinance. A closed session will follow before adjournment.
- Appoint Lilah Crowe to the Extension Committee (term through Dec 31 2026)
- Accept resignation of Leah Griffen from the Itasca County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
- Approve transfer of $1,500,000 from Unorganized Township road and bridge accounts to County Road and Bridge fund
- Approve donation of monitors, TVs, computers, servers and other equipment to PC's for People
- Public hearing on adoption of a Short‑Term Rental Ordinance
County Board
The board will consider several consent agenda items, including appointments to committees and commissions, a donation of computer equipment to PC's for People, and a transfer of $1,500,000 from unorganized township road and bridge accounts to the County Road and Bridge fund for road maintenance. The meeting also includes citizen input, a presentation on appointing a Veterans Service Officer, a transportation department annual report, and updates to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Manual. This work session provides in‑depth review before any regular‑session action.
- Appoint Lilah Crowe to the Extension Committee to fill an unexpired vacancy (effective Aug 14 2024‑Dec 31 2026)
- Approve donation of 40 monitors, 4 televisions, 30 desktop computers, 26 network switches, 12 rack‑mount servers, 3 rack‑mount KVMs, 34 laptops, and 7 printers to PC's for People
- Transfer $1,500,000 from unorganized township road and bridge accounts to the County Road and Bridge fund for road maintenance
- Appoint Interim County Attorney Jacob Fauchald to the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment and the Risk Management Commission for terms ending Dec 31 2026
- Discuss appointment of Veterans Service Officer, Janet Borth
County Board
The Itasca County Board will consider a consent agenda of routine actions, including a liquor license, a $50,060 child welfare grant, and a $900,000 public‑health opioid response application. It will also approve final payment for a pavement markings contract and adopt a property conveyance agreement. The regular agenda includes scheduling a public hearing on a short‑term rental ordinance and discussing a SMART off‑road data project.
- Approve a One Day Liquor License for North Central Minnesota Farm and Antique Association at Blackberry Farm, 25313 US Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN
- Accept CY 2025 Child Welfare / Juvenile Justice Screening Grant of $50,060
- Authorize Itasca County Public Health to apply for up to $900,000 for opioid epidemic response services
- Approve final payment for Contract 2024-02, SAP 031-030-003 for the 2024 Pavement Markings project
- Schedule public hearing for adoption of a Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Planning Commission / Board of Adjustment
The Itasca County Planning Commission is reviewing two conditional use permit applications for Unorganized Township 146-27. One application involves seasonal ice fishing access, while the other concerns commercial storage buildings.
- Conditional Use Permit for Home Occupation II (seasonal ice fishing access) in Unorganized Township 146-27
- Conditional Use Permit for commercial storage buildings in Unorganized Township 146-27
- Approval of June 12, 2024 meeting minutes