[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6641117,"mediaKeyId","2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c","parentId",2547501,"title","Votes at a glance: Koochiching County Board actions, March 11, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",51000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c&start=51&end=51","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c/thumbnail_51000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6641117/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-Koochiching-County-Board-actions-March-11-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641117-0c17ccb34edc6eb1a556b9633233449f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039321&Signature=RB2BAtkz3b6sZFMyT2H6QPGNgQyWA3WD53ZRJMmMbPUSiM8frImuPRbSFen3s7sm15qw7Oy3LlSgPyU6xQU603esLuALw5TNy3DqoKc8h7x7K9yJgAHjbs13eEZsQqg7v04G0FqAujy5UalV3GiKHF9BVvGLgDJOX6lpI~t8QlmLfQv2miKX005T00Fal2RM8v8Qxndpl0F5OSsst8YP04NoanXRU6QJS2uXrswrLOtqhsU-tSXdeQ4YWI0bk5BI7sQthZsWqi9s83rS7guZGNPpJNma3LQtbebS3-nRb3ZKmvbDv2BenQeHPwAeS3Op2-KXNxiAI4ZtDWxWdliN4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Koochiching County","date","2025-03-11T19:06:45.37Z","article","The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners took the following formal actions during its March 11, 2025 regular meeting. Where the meeting record did not show a roll-call tally, the transcript records motion and voice approval.

Votes at a glance (motion outcome):

- Approve agenda with addition (approved by voice vote).
- Approve minutes of Feb. 25, 2025 regular meeting (approved by voice vote).
- Approve financial business (February summaries, payroll/ACH vendor payments, courthouse and highway claims) (approved by voice vote).
- Approve warrant voids (five warrants: $10; $473.50; $709.80; $110; $2,612.50) (approved by voice vote).
- Authorize posting of three summer seasonal highway student positions (approved by voice vote).
- Authorize posting/backfill of full-time/part-time highway labor (approved by voice vote).
- Approve temporary seasonal transfer station laborer postings (two positions) (approved by voice vote).
- Approve wage adjustments and temporary-rate increases as recommended by personnel committee (effective April 21) (approved by voice vote).
- Ratify corrections bargaining-unit contract (LELS 102) for 2025–2027 (approved by voice vote).
- Approve special-schedule agreement associated with corrections contract (approved by voice vote).
- Ratify deputy bargaining-unit contract and related special-schedule agreement (approved by voice vote).
- Acknowledge city of Rainier resolution delegating cannabis authority to the county (acknowledgment approved by voice vote).
- Approve 2025 seasonal liquor licenses for Island View, Hagmeister Management Inc. and CheyShea Resort (approved by voice vote).
- Approve letter of support for proposed butcher/hothouse/retail (Rob Christiansen) (approved by voice vote).
- Direct county space committee to keep LEC space available for planning/possible use for approximately one year (approved by voice vote).
- Ratify contract acceptance of grant funding for border security-related equipment and operations (presentation notes indicated acceptance; motion carried by voice vote).
- Approve repurchase request for recently forfeited property (former owner repurchase after payment of delinquent taxes) (approved by voice vote).
- Approve siting of a three-sided snowmobile trail shelter on county-administered tax-forfeited land (approved by voice vote).
- Approve public-health conference-room audiovisual upgrade using COVID-recovery funds ($36,006.49) (approved by voice vote).
- Approve annual sponsorship of local snowmobile/cross-country/ATV clubs for Minnesota Trail Assistance Grant Aid FY2026 (approved by voice vote).
- Approve renewal of MnDOT Limited Use Permits LUP 360621 and LUP 360022 for recreational trails adjacent to Highway 11 (approved by voice vote); county chair and engineer authorized to sign.
- Authorize county chair, auditor and engineer to sign MnDOT local-bridge replacement grant agreement for SAP 036598032 (County Road 101 bridge replacement) (approved by voice vote).
- Authorize solicitation/advertising for bids: hired trucks, propane, nuisance beaver services; CP2025-01 (crack-seal/mastic preservation) and CP2025-02 (2025 striping contract) (approved by voice vote).
- Approve inclusion of courthouse paving in 2025 paving bid package and exclude the Forestland storm-sewer alternate from that bid package (approved by voice vote).
- Approve annual agreements for AIS staffing (seasonal watercraft inspectors) with contracted staffing firm (approved by voice vote).
- Approve memorandum of cooperative agreement to implement the Rainy River–Rainy Lake comprehensive watershed management plan and reaffirm appointment of Commissioner Hill and an alternate to the policy committee (approved by voice vote).
- Approve memoranda of agreement to begin planning for the Little Fork watershed and the Big Fork watershed and appoint commissioners and alternates to their policy committees (approved by voice vote).
- Adjourn (approved by voice vote).

Notes: Many routine approvals were carried by voice; the transcript does not provide roll-call tallies for the motions listed above. Where staff provided numerical estimates or funding figures during presentations those numbers were captured in meeting discussion but are not included here when the board did not take a separate formal vote tied to a precise dollar authorization beyond the AV upgrade and grant agreement steps noted above.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Koochiching County Board 031125","oneSentenceSummary","A compact roundup of motions the board approved on March 11, 2025, including administrative approvals, personnel actions, contracts, permits, grants and project authorizations.","taxTitle","Koochiching, Minnesota","taxId",71435,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641121,"Board approves public-health technology upgrade, AIS staffing and watershed planning agreements",2505,3263000,5768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c&start=3263&end=5768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c/thumbnail_3263000.jpg","/articles/6641121/Minnesota/Board-approves-public-health-technology-upgrade-AIS-staffing-and-watershed-planning-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641121-145f256a1dca793cf9647263dd17f2b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039321&Signature=Ysd0BrLxUMmFGqSvGwJ-t10cv4kjtTQ0i00xikdgOq8iypOaPqiOkCpxbybSuvbeqGAtCo0g-aYIUopC-QJUBfVMvtm~Ms7qU6W~Zke19SZCmXyDb6Rul~ZCfQJKElBzx2HReZUYOS-1KrOg6gNUCK62yEiIo-06wdyvyxnAXintga9LvmUsFVZ9mDpzFPS79KfcfU06AbmmQL-0BtEzq5v6GV1ad5h7t1wXgGqc9q3AVZtxiPq9PiKyFMq-JEMBUlVd3ItHBzZaecPZdohAismfQYLxqIKW3EIGXThEjts945gtagBzXg-wqdm0Fkc9c4Ud5VFw44my-iPS8yHtEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Koochiching County commissioners on March 11 approved a package of public-health technology upgrades, annual AIS staffing and multi-jurisdiction watershed agreements.

County public-health staff presented a proposal to upgrade a public-health conference room with teleconferencing audio-visual equipment and a three-year parts/warranty option. The project cost presented was $36,006.49 and county staff said the work will be paid fully from state-allocated COVID-recovery grant dollars that must be used at the public-health unit location. The board approved the expenditure; staff said the purchase would include a 55-inch display (replacing a larger screen originally quoted) audio capability for remote meetings, professional installation and an optional three-year warranty for equipment coverage.

The board approved a seasonal-staffing agreement with a staffing firm to provide state-trained AIS watercraft inspectors for the season. The presenter said the firm’s hourly billing rate will be adjusted to match the county’s temporary hire rates approved earlier in the meeting.

On watershed planning, the board approved a memorandum of cooperative agreement to implement the Rainy River–Rainy Lake comprehensive watershed management plan and reaffirmed Commissioner Hill’s appointment to the policy committee with an alternate named. County staff said implementation funding from partners is expected as an ongoing two-year cycle (an estimate of roughly $558,000 every two years was cited in the staff summary) to support plan objectives. The board also approved planning memoranda of agreement to begin the Little Fork watershed plan and the Big Fork watershed plan, appointing commissioners and alternates to their respective policy committees to guide planning priorities.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that the permit and funding agreements are cooperative efforts with cities, soil-and-water conservation districts, and state partners and that policy committees will set priorities for how planning and implementation funds are used.","The board approved a $36,006.49 public-health conference-room audiovisual upgrade paid from COVID-recovery funds, renewed contracted aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspector staffing, and approved cooperative agreements to proceed with watershed planning and implementation programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":42,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641126,"County approves bridge grant, trail sponsorships and trail permits; authorizes street maintenance bids",4062000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c&start=4062&end=4062","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c/thumbnail_4062000.jpg","/articles/6641126/Minnesota/County-approves-bridge-grant-trail-sponsorships-and-trail-permits-authorizes-street-maintenance-bids","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641126-260a6ea4aa405aa41360a9b5842f6525/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039321&Signature=OHg7gnoCFcCiJmLd72nKgCauNXl5QDDyC2dhVl8~IVp3poqUILIsvJ1jjw8LePz8zNdkHyfEjecnO0A8qAGnVh9LowCiwMN9bRtSqmHHq4b65VYCvzQAD6E1S12C-gBCrd0W0YB8MYAmkvuhlig2Jv8NfBlXfaaaR1Ha3dUJ4B0lyNY5cLwmH9FxXtBy9GgetwxjGUrKYYdVolxNvYbfURxBJC-FR7PFErSI64z9PNxqrRsKiO3UJXHJD34oiIhvW4Ktz7RIpTvwVUm02OVZsBTHIoIUd8FCTswm9qJ1~rQTY3FXQ0RSO0p0qHsmaW4dcFp1YOoQQeq2B~qqVcQclw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Koochiching County commissioners on March 11 authorized a MnDOT local bridge replacement grant agreement, renewed permits tied to recreational trails, approved sponsorships for snowmobile and ATV clubs, and authorized a slate of road-preservation projects to be advertised for bid.

The board authorized the county chair, auditor and engineer to sign the grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the County Road 101 bridge replacement project (SAP 036598032), which county staff said will be funded approximately with $1.25 million in local bridge replacement funds plus local match (including local option sales tax funds discussed during the meeting). Project work includes a bridge replacement and a temporary bypass structure; county staff said contractors will begin work as soon as seasonal road weight limits are lifted.

Staff also presented and the board approved renewal of two MnDOT Limited Use Permits (LUP 360621 and LUP 360022) that allow trails adjacent to Highway 11, covering crossings by County Road 20 and other access points. The county engineer noted added language in the permits addressing removal of structures if the permit is terminated and standard civil-rights language; the board authorized the chair and engineer to sign the documents.

In a separate action the board voted to sponsor the county’s snowmobile, cross-country ski and ATV clubs for the Minnesota Trail Assistance Grant Aid program for fiscal year 2026, listing clubs and trails to be included. County staff explained sponsorship does not create county financial liability for the clubs’ operations; the auditor/treasurer’s office acts as the sponsor for state grant accounting.

Transportation staff asked to advertise multiple 2025 projects: a crack-seal/mastic preservation contract (CP2025-01), striping/marking contract (CP2025-02) and solicitation for hired trucks, propane and nuisance beaver services. Commissioners approved advertisement of those bids and discussed project prioritization and quantities. The board also agreed to include a courthouse paving component in the county’s 2025 paving contracts while excluding a debated forest-land storm-sewer alternate from the package.

The board approved one request to site a three-sided snowmobile-trail shelter on county-administered tax-forfeited land and ratified annual sponsorship and staffing agreements for aquatic invasive species prevention programs provided through contracted seasonal inspectors.","The board approved a MnDOT local bridge replacement grant agreement for the County Road 101 bridge, renewed limited-use permits for recreational trails adjacent to Highway 11, authorized trail sponsorships for snowmobile/ATV clubs and approved multiple 2025 roadway preservation and striping bid advertisements.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641131,"Board hears progress update on law enforcement center addition and keeps LEC space available",452,1938000,2390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c&start=1938&end=2390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c/thumbnail_1938000.jpg","/articles/6641131/Minnesota/Board-hears-progress-update-on-law-enforcement-center-addition-and-keeps-LEC-space-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641131-3d84b4641fb5685afed0fdbad62a93ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039321&Signature=hOP4pmuU3pSFi6h6G23QbLz8zs-S12yS4bPcjAmVzZN3mA3B5c8zy5-yL6YXyA6IxqQQQW6Pwrof75mRiNIP06hLTkZGuPw8SmAMsDJJBYBpdfkKFWYKddRxqZEeA8rj275l1MrzGcJQHB0V7TjrOVwNXqnL-vpyyq1oxLw-VbmKV7mVIgvbqr41QpZhONpriUTxYiD1nstMgr8~MPXrsJJTGQFLn9sP0zCi68-8RGPuDNBaTopdWZmvxBEuYSZybz6D51BdycMFPzvefMsW0KYj5s25gU0m4fSVF6VvyA1D2lRLysowTvk5rZSFfgg8JlGPOVTlXR5qzB1tBi6uwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Koochiching County commissioners received a detailed construction update for the law enforcement center (LEC) addition and voted to keep the county’s LEC space available while the City of International Falls considers its own renovation and lease options.

At the March 11 meeting a county-contracted project representative said underground mechanical and electrical work is complete, interior slab-on-grade is finished in most areas, and interior concrete masonry unit (CMU) work is progressing. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins were described as “in progress,” punched aluminum openings and roofing on lower levels are under way, and interior renovation work for the boardroom and dispatch area has begun — the boardroom renovation was noted as the reason the meeting was held on the third floor courtroom.

Commissioners were shown photographs of recent work including trunk lines, office openings, skylights for natural light in day rooms and drywall installation. The presenter said the project remains on schedule for early phases and discussed staged roofing completion, interior finishes and a projected turnover in the October–November timeframe.

The board also considered how to use the LEC space if the city proceeds with a lease and renovation of the county-owned building. After discussion the board voted to keep the space available for a year to allow the city time to finalize decisions and to provide flexibility for county planning; commissioners noted there has been limited direct negotiation with the city to date and recommended holding off on major moves into the space while building renovations continue.

Commissioners and staff also discussed adjacent facilities work, including a request to bid courthouse paving as a smaller project outside the jail contract and broader questions about storm-sewer work and the timing of other campus improvements.","County officials received a construction update on the law enforcement center jail addition and voted to hold open the LEC space while city renovation plans proceed. Commissioners also discussed courthouse parking and related facility planning.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641136,"Koochiching County approves seasonal hires, pay adjustments and union contracts",168,262000,430000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c&start=262&end=430","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2547501-085e97b214cdb78d2dacde947fb1775c/thumbnail_262000.jpg","/articles/6641136/Minnesota/Koochiching-County-approves-seasonal-hires-pay-adjustments-and-union-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641136-27e145f847e1c1f5b79eb42129136d3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039321&Signature=jCW3vnnxkaOsh1PsCYNc~o627D~6b1svPlDT5JYv6JgthZ3cqnMiTla6G3GYAppyDZmH68QIl7zRkcdDHiDKbmGWZZlwSwfCUPpjam3McMtULxE5njxcn2~Frvtlca3vQT2~oxj-aBQjSmrt1C1H--IfLG1-HXVPNfF-tZa8AAgDEt7OzDqFuNYlGjJ3A3by19QJk9UBkHzZaMPxeirmnpcIVe2vC49QhNm-otBTY4-n~E3H1R2cuQZ4K0G5hTAwXe4XUACmeabjCZXvRP2-iyij0v6S-UhsgDNjBElPQbnYhxfJD2aBsG-z0i9NDOtxEtfZ20nufZPGUW~iHWry1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners on March 11 approved several personnel measures aimed at easing seasonal staffing shortages and ratified negotiated contracts with law-enforcement-related bargaining units.

The board voted to post three temporary summer student highway worker positions that typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day and to post two temporary summer transfer-station laborer positions for the county transfer station. The board also approved a backfill posting for a full-time/part-time highway labor position.

The board accepted recommendations from the county personnel committee to raise temporary transport driver pay and adjust wage ranges for unskilled and skilled temporary workers. The changes were presented as effective beginning April 21. Commissioners said the increases are intended to help the county recruit and retain seasonal and short-term staff.

Separately the board ratified a multi-year contract with the corrections bargaining unit (identified in materials as LELS 102). The settlement includes housekeeping updates to comply with state law changes, recognition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday, negotiated shift-differential increases for overnight work and a longevity component for corrections employees (additional percentage increases at 5, 10 and 15 years). The corrections agreement includes wage increases scheduled across 2025–2027.

The board also approved the deputies’ contract with similar disciplinary-process clarifications and step increases, including a longevity provision after 15 years. Both bargaining-unit agreements included related special-schedule agreements covering scheduled employees and overtime/waiver language.

Board members thanked negotiators and county staff for completing what several commissioners described as a “tedious” bargaining cycle. No formal vote tallies were recorded in the verbal record during the meeting; motions were made and carried by voice vote.

The personnel changes and ratified contracts will be incorporated into county payroll and personnel procedures by county staff.","The Koochiching County Board approved posting summer seasonal positions, ratified corrections and deputies union contracts covering 2025–2027, and adopted temporary wage increases and special-schedule agreements intended to improve hiring and retention.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Koochiching County Board actions, March 11, 2025

Board approves public-health technology upgrade, AIS staffing and watershed planning agreements

County approves bridge grant, trail sponsorships and trail permits; authorizes street maintenance bids

Board hears progress update on law enforcement center addition and keeps LEC space available

Koochiching County approves seasonal hires, pay adjustments and union contracts