Candace Coulter

The meeting included approval of the agenda and the payment of Highway Department bills. A significant discussion focused on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the White Earth Nation concerning the White Earth State Forest, including a subsequent question-and-answer session with the DNR Regional Director. Actions taken included approving a quote for a skid-steer attachment from Environmental Services and approving payment for emergency repairs to a generator fuel line. The Auditor's office received authorization to hire a casual LPN for Public Health and to pay submitted invoices from the county Revenue Fund and the Public Health Fund.

The Board of Commissioners' meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of Highway Department bills and authorizing the advertisement of multiple road projects, specifically CP 26-100 (Pavement Markings), CP 26-200 (Aggregate Crushing and Surfacing), and projects involving Bituminous Overlay & Milling. A Memorandum of Understanding with Becker County for CSAH 39/CSAH 37 was approved, as was a Resolution regarding a Highway Easement for CSAH 12. The Auditor was authorized to pay significant invoices from the County Revenue and Public Health Funds, and the 2026 Ditch Fund Budget was approved. Personnel actions included approving a step increase for an employee effective February 25, 2026, and dispersing Opioid Settlement funds. The Board also approved the 2026 Tobacco License for Galen's Inc. and a Resolution establishing minimum salaries for elected officials. Payments were authorized for IT Server Room A/C repairs. Discussions covered the Bagley Police Department contracting status and the update of City Ordinances regarding Blight issues. Updates were also provided regarding the DNR Co-Management Agreement with White Earth and the potential purchase of a new County truck for the Land Department.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and established the election of officers for 2026, naming Mark Titera as Chairman and Bruce Emmel as Vice-Chairman. Key authorizations included purchasing 2026 computer replacements and technology upgrades not to exceed $130,000.00, and maintenance/support agreements not to exceed $303,700.00. The board authorized the hiring of Joshua Moede as a County Forester, effective tentatively February 2, 2026. Agreements for Roadside Right-of-Way Backslope and In-Slope/Ditch Herbicide Spraying for 2026-2027 with Roy Abraham/Noxious Weed Control were approved. The Sheriff's department received authorization to move Maiingan Johnson to a full-time Communications Correction Officer position effective January 4, 2026. The Auditor was authorized to pay submitted invoices totaling over $98,000 from specified funds. The board re-adopted the three-day notice requirement rule for future motions, established the schedule for regular Board Meetings and Department/Work Session Meetings for 2026, and re-adopted Robert's Rules of Order. The Farmers Independent was designated as the legal paper for 2026 publications, and the County Auditor was authorized to pay routine bills prior to Board approval.

The meeting involved approval of the agenda and subsequent minutes from December 1st and December 2nd, 2025. Key actions included approving highway department bills and adjusting the project plan years for County Highway 7 to 2029 and County Highway 12 to 2030, authorizing associated engineering work and permits. The Board approved the Highway Department 2026 Budget and authorized purchases for Civil 3D software and GPS survey equipment. Concurrence was given for awarding the City of Bagley Park Road Improvement project to R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. The Board agreed to collaborate with the Headwater Regional Development Commission to apply for a County-wide Active Transportation Planning Grant. The Assessor's Office Clerical Errors were approved, and a disbursement of $170,005.39 from Opioid Settlement funds was made to several local entities. The Sheriff's Office received authorization to hire a full-time Communications Corrections Officer and accept two State of Minnesota grants for Off Highway Vehicle and Snowmobile Safety Enforcement. The Emergency Management department accepted a donation for Operations Center overhaul and approved quotes for upgrading weather sirens in Gonvick and Clearbrook. Personnel actions included allowing temporary additional hours for the Veterans Service Office and appointing a new member to the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment. The Auditor was authorized to pay submitted invoices from the Revenue and Public Health Funds, and the 2024 Financial Statement was approved for publication. Several 2026 licenses (Tobacco, Liquor, and Beer/Wine) were approved, with certain Commissioners abstaining as required. Finally, the Board approved the cancellation of several old warrants and authorized entering into an Administrative Agreement with North Country Community Health Board, along with renaming Clearwater County Nursing Service to Clearwater County Public Health. Commissioner per diem and salaries for Commissioners, Sheriff, Auditor/Treasurer, Attorney, and Recorder for 2026 were set or increased.

The meeting addressed mutual aid agreements, opioid funding from the county, and a county-wide warning sirens project. Updates were provided on opioid funding distribution to various departments and the timeline for the warning sirens project. A presentation was given on mobile simulation training capabilities, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office donated radios to Clearwater County. The meeting also covered Greater Northwest EMS funding, FEMA grant reporting requirements, and the issue of having a Medical Director for each Fire Department.