Lori Grams

The meeting commenced with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Consent Agenda involved numerous approvals, including general correspondence, various sets of Auditor Warrants for HHS, School Advances, R&B, Tax, and LLCC funds, as well as manual warrants and Commissioner's Vouchers. Key discussions under the Regular Agenda included an informational update from the Sentence to Serve Coordinator regarding the STS Year in Review. Action items included a motion to approve the Darktrace Renewal for Email Protection, and a motion to approve a Statement of Work for the CLA 2025 Audit. Additionally, a resolution for an Off Sale License for OM LLC dba Malmo Market was brought forward for approval. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the introduction of new District Judge Daniel Hawley. The Consent Agenda involved numerous items, including the approval of electronic fund transfers, various auditor vouchers (Sales/Use/Diesel Tax, HHS), and several resolutions such as an application for a Temporary On Sale Liquor License for the Jacobson Volunteer Fire Dept. The Board also approved opioid funding requests related to chemical use assessments for Luke Gould and Robert Nelson, and adopted a resolution for Operation Green Light for Veterans. Contract approvals included fire protection agreements with the City of Palisade and Jacobson Fire Department, and approval of 2024 EMPG Grant specifications. Policy updates were approved concerning ESST, FMLA, and the new MN Paid Family Leave policy. A residential road easement for Kevin Hulbert was also approved. On the Regular Agenda, informational items included updates on Aitkin 4-H and the Aitkin County HRA. The Board approved the appointment of Commissioner Sample as the liaison to the HRA Board starting January 1, 2026. An informational item on the ATV Trail Alliance Award was presented. A Public Hearing was held regarding an Off Sale Liquor License application for Malmo Market, which was subsequently tabled. Discussion items included updates from the County Engineer and H&HS Fiscal Supervisor, and commissioner committee assignments.

This document outlines the Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Plan, a collaborative effort by the counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis, and the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD). The plan characterizes existing systems, evaluates program options, and proposes an implementation strategy for a 10-year planning period. Key initiatives include developing a regional communications plan, improving recycling programs through a "Recycle Right" campaign, implementing a coordinated organic materials collection and diversion program, supporting public/private partnerships for landfill development, cooperatively procuring municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal agreements, and managing a regional household hazardous waste program. The plan aims to significantly increase organics diversion and reduce the proportion of MSW sent to landfills.

The meeting included discussion and action on various agenda items, such as approving the purchase of an excavator, setting the 2026 Highway Maintenance/Construction Contract Schedule, and a resolution for a CPL Grant MDHA for Tree Planting. There was also discussion regarding a new off-sale liquor license for OM Malmo LLC dba Malmo Market, a review of the 2024 audit, and a resolution for the 2026 Preliminary Budget. Additionally, there was a presentation from Petals of Peace, updates from Commissioner Committees, and a closed session for labor negotiations.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics such as correspondence, approval of electronic funds transfers and auditor vouchers, adoption of resolutions for a limited use permit with MN DOT for an ATV Trail and to vacate a portion of CR 77 Right of Way. Also, the board discussed and approved the 2026-2027 Medical Examiner Contract and an application for exempt gambling by Ducks Unlimited Aitkin Area. The agenda covered a separation agreement and release of all claims, updates on FEMA Preliminary FIRM Notification, and a presentation on Public Waters.