MINUTES & AGENDAS
January 13, 2026
January 13, 2026
The Lake of The Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 13,2026 at Lake of the Woods County Government Center in the Commissioners’ Room.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Jon Waibel, Ed Arnesen, Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, and Buck Nordlof. Also present was Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of December 30,2025.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the official minutes of January 6,2026.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following claims: Commissioners Warrants $28,892.56; Commissioners Warrants $6,131.00; Commissioners Warrants $24,580.27.
Contract Approval-Stellher Human Services
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the contract between Lake of the Woods County and Stellher Human Services for children’s mental health crisis intervention and stabilization services effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 and for Social Services Director Amy Ballard to sign the same.
Auditor/Treasurer
Claims
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the claims against the County as follows: Revenue $304,867.13; Road & Bridge $80,206.35; Joint Ditch $2,315.00; Solid Waste $49,863.00; EDA $1,500.00.
WARRANTS FOR PUBLICATION
Warrants Approved On 1/13/2026 For Payment 1/16/2026
Vendor Name Amount
Air Med Care Network 16,803.00
Bolton & Menk 4,130.00
ByteSpeed, LLC 39,500.00
Clay County Sheriff 3,140.32
Farmers Union Oil company 3,019.53
Integris LLC 2,240.07
KnowBe4, Inc 6,488.25
Larkin Hoffman Attorneys 26,907.50
Mar-Kit Landfill 13,630.50
Mn Assn Of Counties 10,657.00
Mn Counties Computer Co-Op 33,075.00
MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust 198,136.00
Mn County Attorneys Assn 2,098.00
Northdale Oil Inc. 17,819.49
Schneider Geospatial, LLC 28,028.00
U.S. Bank Equipment Finance 6,268.50
Woody’s Service 3,097.76
45 Payments less than 2000 23,712.56
Final Total: 438,751.48
Further moved to authorize the payment of the following auditor warrants: December 31, 2025 for $118,893.64; January 8, 2026 for $66,646.41.
Audit Engagement Letter
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the Audit Engagement Letter, for the year ended December 31, 2025, with Hoffman, Philipp, & Martell, PLLC and for the Chair Joe Grund and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.
Auditors Delinquent Tax Publishing Cost Fee Increase
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, second by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to increase the delinquent taxes publishing cost fee from $35.00 to $50.00 to offset the rising costs of publication in recent years effective immediately for delinquent year 2025 publishing year 2026.
City of Baudette Cigarette License
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the cigarette license application for the City of Baudette as presented.
Lakewood Nursing Contract
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the contract between Lakewood Health Center and Lake of the Woods County effective January 1, 2026 and for Chair Joe Grund, County Attorney Michelle Moren, and Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson to sign the same.
Public Works
Updates
County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave a brief update regarding peatland discussion with the DNR.
Human Resources
Grade Increase-Appraiser II to Appraiser III
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to approve the request to change Tyler Swanson from Appraiser II to Appraiser III due to completion of certification requirements at Grade 15, Step 7, $35.30 per hour at 339 points effective next full pay period.
Grade Increase-IT Tech
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to change Nicolas Hanson to Grade 15, step 2 at $32.12 per hour at 334 points due to the completion of probation effective next full pay period.
Land & Water
Consideration of Conditional Use Permit #25-06CU by Blue Line Consulting, LLC
The NW1/4NW4, Section Nine (9), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-four (34) West (Chilgren)-Parcel ID#17.09.22.000. Applicant is requesting an amendment to Conditional Use Permit #22-14CU, to allow an additional structure to operate as a Short-term Vacation Rental in a Rural Residential Development (R2) Zoning District.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, and carried unanimously to approve the following Conditional Use Permit/Findings of Fact #25-06CU by Blue Line Consulting, LLC to allow an additional structure to operate as a Short-term Vacation Rental in a Rural Residential Development (R2) Zoning District:
Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners
Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant: Blue Line Consulting, LLC Parcel Number: 17.09.22.000 Date: January 13, 2026
Location/Legal Description: NW¼NW¼ Section 9, Township162N, Range 34W
Project Proposal: Applicant is requesting an amendment to Conditional Use Permit #22-14CU, to allow an additional structure to operate as a Short-Term Vacation Rental in a Rural Residential Development (R2) Zoning District.
- Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Vacation rental and rural residential development.
2. Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?
YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? New septic system and the well meets drinking water standards.
- Is the project proposal consistent with the goal of preventing and controlling water pollution, including sedimentation and nutrient loading? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Will the project proposal not adversely affect the site’s existing topography, drainage features, and vegetative cover? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Is the project proposal’s site location reasonable in relation to any floodplain and/or floodway of rivers or tributaries? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Has the erosion potential of the site based upon the degree and direction of slope, soil type and existing vegetative cover been adequately addressed for the project proposal? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access roads? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Access via 44th Street NW.
- Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Rural residential.
9. Does the project proposal have a reasonable need to be in a shoreland location? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Is the amount of liquid waste to be generated reasonable and the proposed sewage disposal system adequate to accommodate the project proposal? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? New septic system installed for the 2-bedroom dwelling.
- Will the visibility of structures and other facilities as viewed from public waters comply with Section 901 of the Zoning Ordinance? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Is the site adequate for water supply and on-site sewage treatment systems? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Property has a private well and two compliant septic system.
- Are the affected public waters suited to and able to safely accommodate the types, uses, and numbers of watercraft that the project proposal will generate? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- If the project proposal includes above ground or below ground storage tanks for petroleum or other hazardous material that is subject to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requirements, has a permit been sought?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________________________
- Will there be fencing and/or other screening provided to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? Not necessary.
- If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Why or why not? Not planned or needed.
- If the project proposal will generate additional traffic to or from the site, has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the additional traffic and parking is to be addressed? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Plenty of parking available.
The answers to the questions above, together with the facts supporting the answers and those other facts that exist in the record, are hereby certified to be the Findings of the County Board of Commissioners.
The specific reasons for denial or conditions of approval are as follows:
- The Conditional Use Permit terminates upon sale or transfer of the property.
- Quiet time from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Must post local contact information in the dwelling.
- Must meet Minnesota Department of Health regulations.
Approved as Presented ( ) Approved with Conditions (X) Denied ( )
January 13, 2026 _____________________________________
Date Joe Grund Chair, County Board
This is in accordance with the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance
Consideration of Interim Use Permit #25-09IU by SQ Properties, LLC
Lot 4, Block 2, Rainy River Retreat, Section Twenty-four (24), Township One Hundred Sixty-two (162) North, Range Thirty-two (32) West- Parcel ID#19.62.02.040. Applicant is requesting and Interim Use Permit as required by Section 1106 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance to operate a Short-term Vacation Rental in a Residential Development (R1) Zoning District.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the following Interim Use Permit/Findings of Fact #25-09IU by SQ Properties, LLC to operate a Short-term Vacation Rental in a Residential Development (R1) Zoning District:
Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners
Short-Term Vacation Rental Findings of Fact and Decision
Name of Applicant: SQ Properties, LLC Application Number: 25-09IU Date: January 13, 2026
Location/Legal Description: Lot 4, Block 2, Rainy River Retreat Parcel Number: 19.62.02.040
Project Proposal: Applicant is requesting an Interim Use Permit, as required by Sections 1106 of the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance, to operate a short-term vacation rental in a Residential Development (R1) Zoning District.
- Is the project proposal consistent with the Lake of the Woods County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Why or why not? Property is located in the growth corridor and the land use is a mix of residential and commercial.
- Is the project proposal consistent with maintaining the public health, safety, and welfare?
YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? As per the submitted application, this property is connected to the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District and the water test results meet drinking water standards.
- Is the project proposal compatible with adjacent land uses? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? The property is located within the Wheeler’s Point area which has a mix of residential and commercial use.
- Is the site in harmony with existing and proposed access to the property? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? Property is accessed from Pickeral Trail NW.
- Has the applicant adequately demonstrated how the traffic and parking are to be addressed? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? There should be less traffic as compared to normal residential traffic and parking will be located on the property.
- Has the applicant provided a map adequately depicting locations of property lines, well and septic system locations, accessory structures, parking areas, and shore recreational facilities?
YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? See submitted application.
- Does the water test meet the Minnesota Department of Health drinking water standards? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? See submitted application.
- Has the applicant identified the maximum number of occupants? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? The maximum occupancy is eight (8).
- Is the current SSTS compliant by evidence of a Certificate of Compliance and is the SSTS adequate to accommodate the identified maximum occupancy? YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Explain? Property is located within the Wheeler’s Point Sanitary District.
- Has the applicant established quiet hours? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? The established quirt hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Has the applicant provided a floor plan which includes the number of bedrooms and all other sleeping accommodations? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? See submitted application.
- Has the applicant provided an evacuation plan/fire safety protocol and have identified the locations of smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? See submitted application.
- Has the applicant identified a local person and their contact information? YES (X) NO ( ) N/A ( )
Explain? See submitted application.
- If signage is associated with the project proposal, has the applicant demonstrated the need for the number and size requested, and minimized the visual appearance as viewed from adjacent properties to the extent possible?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Explain? No signage has been requested.
- Is fencing and/or screening needed to buffer the project proposal from adjacent properties?
YES ( ) NO ( ) N/A (X)
Explain? A fence is already present on three (3) sides of the property.
The answers to the questions above, together with the facts supporting the answers and those other facts that exist in the record, are hereby certified to be the Findings of the County Board of Commissioners.
The specific reasons for denial or conditions of approval are as follows:
- The interim use permit terminates five (5) years from the date of approval or upon sale or transfer of the property, whichever occurs first.
- The maximum occupancy is limited to eight (8) individuals.
- The established quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
- No on-street parking is allowed.
- If applicable, the applicant must meet the Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
- The outside door that services bedroom #2 (see sketch as per application) is to remain functional and not obstructed until such time a larger window is installed that meets egress standards.
Approved as Presented ( ) Approved with Conditions (X) Denied ( )
January 13, 2026 _____________________________________
Date Joe Grund Chair, County Board
This is in accordance with the Lake of the Woods County Zoning Ordinance
Sheriffs Office-Sergeant Ben Duick
Off Highway Vehicle Safety Grant
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Off Highway Vehicle Safety Grant for 2026 & 2027 in the amount of 18,051.92.
Snowmobile Safety Grant
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Jon Waibel, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Snowmobile Safety Grant for 2026 & 2027 in the amount of $7,513.12.
Recess
A brief recess took place at 9:30 a.m. and reconvened at 10:00 a.m.
Public Hearing-ATV Ordinance
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and open the Public Hearing.
ATV Ordinance Amendment
The board reviewed proposed amendments to the ATV Ordinance.
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the Public Hearing and open the regular meeting.
ATV Ordinance Resolution
Resolution
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner Jon Waibel and moved for adoption:
Lake of the Woods County ATV Ordinance
Resolution No. 26-01-05
WHEREAS; Minnesota Statutes §84.92-84.928 generally regulates the use of all terrain vehicles within the right of way for trunk highways, county state aid highways, and county roads;
WHEREAS; Minnesota Statutes § 84.928, subd. 6 (c) (2) authorizes counties to enact an ordinance which provides for the operation of all-terrain vehicles;
WHEREAS; Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on January 13, 2026 to hear public comments on the proposed Lake of the Woods ATV Ordinance amendments;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT; Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the Lake of the Woods ATV Ordinance amendments as presented.
The resolution was seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and the same being put to a vote, was unanimously carried.
LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY ORDINANCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ON ROADS WITHIN THE COUNTY’S JURISDICTION THE COUNTY BOARD OF LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY DOES ORDAIN:
Subdivision 1. Purpose and intent.
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §84.92-84.928 generally regulate the use of all terrain vehicles within the right of way for trunk highways, county state aid highways, and county roads. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §84.928, subd. 6 (c)(2) and, consistent with this ordinance, and to provide for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, and to ensure the integrity of roads falling under the jurisdiction of Lake of the Woods County, this Ordinance is enacted to regulate the use of all-terrain vehicles on county state aid highways, county roads, and unorganized township roads within Lake of the Woods County.
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes § 84.928, subd. 6 (c)(2) authorizes counties to enact an ordinance which provide for the operation of all-terrain vehicle on a road right of way shoulder, or inside bank or slope of a county highway or county state-aid highway if safe operation in the ditch or outside slope is impossible and the county posts the appropriate notice, notwithstanding any law to the contrary.
WHEREAS, Lake of the Woods County recognizes that county residents are also interested in using their ATV’s on county maintained roads to access other areas without having to trailer their ATV’s.
Subdivision 2. Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this Ordinance:
- ATV or All Terrain Vehicle shall mean a Class 1 All-Terrain Vehicle, as defined in Minn. Stat. §84.92, subd. 9 and Class 2 All-Terrain Vehicle subd. 10.
- County means the County of Lake of the Woods, Minnesota.
- County Maintained Roads means all County State-Aid Highways, County Roads, and Unorganized Township Roads outside of an incorporated municipality located in Lake of the Woods County. State highways and city streets are not included in this ordinance.
Subdivision 3. Findings
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §84.928, subd. 6(c), the County makes the following findings:
- That most of the county maintained roads are in an area of the County that is generally flat and contains numerous and extensive lowlands.
- That a portion of the terrain adjacent to these roads is such that travel by ATV’s in the ditch or outside slopes of such roads is not possible.
- That a portion of County maintained roads do not have ditches and that brush, trees and other vegetation exist immediately adjacent to the edge of the roadway.
- That reconstructed roads have well vegetated slopes and ditch bottoms costing several thousand dollars per mile to establish and should not be damaged or destroyed.
Subdivision 4. Regulations for Operation on County Maintained Roads
- Persons operating all terrain vehicles on any County maintained roadways, outside incorporated municipalities, must operate the all terrain vehicle on the extreme right hand side of the road, making left turns across the road only if it is safe to do so under prevailing conditions.
- Persons operating all terrain vehicles within the right of way of any of the county maintained roadways shall not operate their ATV on the inside slope, ditch bottom or outside slope of the right of way.
- Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, operation of all terrain vehicles shall be in compliance with Minnesota Statutes §84.92 – 84.928, as well as any other federal, state, or local rule or regulation as it applies to sections in this ordinance.
- No person shall operate an ATV, or other motorized vehicle, on the bike trail between Baudette and the Lake of the Woods School or any other trail where motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- No person shall operate an ATV on Lake of the Woods County maintained roads at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances.
- Persons may be allowed to operate Class 1, Class 2, OHM (off highway motorcycles), and ORV (off road vehicles) on the Lake of the Woods Connector Trail.
Subdivision 5. Information gathering for program
The Lake of the Woods Sheriff’s Office shall collect and compile Incident Case Report data reported to the Sheriff’s Office from the public regarding ATV use on county maintained roads. In addition, complaints received by County Board members will be received and recorded.
Subdivision 6. Penalties
Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor as defined in Minn. Stat. §609.02, subd. 3.
Subdivision 7. Effectuation
This Ordinance, as amended, shall take effect and be in full force January 13, 2026 upon its adoption by the Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners, and its publication in the official newspaper of Lake of the Woods County as provided by Minnesota Statutes; unless otherwise terminated by further resolution of the Lake of the Woods County Board.
Recess
A brief recess took place at 10:10 a.m. and reconvened at 10:15 a.m.
Add to Agenda
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to add set work session to the agenda.
Set Work Session
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Buck Nordlof, seconded by Commissioner Jon Waibel and carried unanimously to set a work session for January 27, 2026 following the regular board meeting.
Adjourn
Motion
Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Buck Nordlof and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
Attest: January 27, 2026
________________________________ _________________________________
Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson Chair Joe Grund