[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282527,"mediaKeyId","2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b","parentId",2595677,"title","Votes at a glance: St. Louis County Board actions on March 11, 2025","audioSeconds",320,"startMs",2252000,"endMs",2572000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b&start=2252&end=2572","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b/thumbnail_2252000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282527/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-St-Louis-County-Board-actions-on-March-11-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282527-3319aec68bd1c461fdc9b6d201ea55e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135172&Signature=RRASAkdOxZcYacts1BGa0TIEk4AhhrqosKKvuJNN9DiSD1vVi4AjKy40zQxUszMrHo-CSXo4TW7q7CEE5703dXU20dwr6a0TGuKUSwJM1g1WsXYQjE1DoxBCsEeO~-~SFJ4oD8CvCnGLd4MQ7gykLxy9plIZeEruJ7E0zhLwor9ojDzCQjkzgo5t-Rwr8Ij1UIOrqs5quehuH-eG3QB~hN3d900djlAeFBx6XxAhSX~LfcQJMWtUiMobMan2ISkNrsbiaKuv6LKn7~HFtqiN6r03wkf~PqehrCvCK5lYzmPAgSryxC2tDTaXDu5WYp562WkxUpbrX-6uPWNE4-v5Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Louis County, MN","date","2025-03-11T20:54:24Z","article","At its March 11 meeting the St. Louis County Board approved multiple routine and project‑related items. Key votes included a liquor license, construction and equipment contracts, purchase authorizations, public hearing schedules and land sale actions.

Votes listed below are drawn from the meeting record. Where mover/second were recorded they are noted; where roll‑call votes were not read into the public record the board indicated approval by voice vote.

- Liquor license for Sher Gil Gateway General Store LLC (applicant Paul/Pal Winder Singh): County attorney Mackey presented the packet and said all requirements were met. Motion to approve the off‑sale intoxicating liquor license was moved by Commissioner McDonald and supported by Commissioner Djukovich; board approved by voice vote. (Action: license approved.)

- Award: South Impound Building (Public Safety and Corrections): Board approved awarding the construction contract to apparent low bidder Johnson Wilson Constructors in the amount of approximately $1,100,000 to build a more secure South Impound facility near the public safety complex. The item was presented by administration; motion moved by Commissioner Grimm; board approved by voice vote. (Action: contract_award.)

- Award: Grading and pipe culvert projects (Public Works): Seven projects were awarded to the apparent low bidder (company name in packet), approximately $516,000 total; motion moved by Commissioner McDonald; approved by voice vote. (Action: contract_award.)

- Purchase: Ten dump bodies and snow removal equipment (state contract, Towmaster LLC): Board approved purchase of dump bodies and hydraulics for 10 trucks (non‑chassis equipment) under state contract for approximately $2.25 million. Motion moved by Chair Commissioner Harlow, seconded by Commissioner McDonald; approved by voice vote. (Action: contract_award/vehicle_purchase.)

- Fleet vehicle purchasing authorization (2025 budget year): Board authorized the purchasing division to execute fleet vehicle purchase orders and to use spot purchases on state contract partners for 2025 fleet needs; motion moved by Commissioner Nelson, supported by Commissioner Boyle; approved. (Action: other — purchasing authorization.)

- Establishment of public hearings (Finance & Budget): The board set three public hearings: capital/capital improvement plan and bond intent (April 15, Duluth Courthouse); general board public hearing (April 15, Duluth Courthouse); and HOME ARP project funding (April 22, City of Winton). Motions carried by voice votes after committee chairs moved the items. (Action: other — hearing scheduling.)

- Cancellation and extension of tax‑forfeit land sale contracts: The board approved a 90‑day extension for specified contract holders (moved by Commissioner Grama, second Commissioner Boyle) and separately authorized proceeding with cancellation for the remaining contracts listed in the 2025 packet (moved by Commissioner Nelson, second Commissioner McDonald). Two in‑person speakers whose contracts were added to the extension list were identified as Dominic Joseph Del Caro (contract C22210150) and Jonathan Stensland (contract C22210105). (Actions: land_use — extension approved; land_use — cancellations proceed.)

- Consent agenda and routine business: The board approved the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner McDonald, supported by Commissioner Nelson; voice vote carried.

Ending: Several motions were handled by voice vote without a roll‑call readout; board minutes and official resolutions in the county file provide formal vote records and contract details for each item.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Louis County Board Meeting - 03-11-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and votes taken by the St. Louis County Board at the March 11 meeting, including licenses, contracts, purchases and procedural items.","taxTitle","St. Louis County, Minnesota","taxId",3768,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282532,"County screens Virginia Government Services Center history video and recognizes depot filmmaker",786,1083000,1869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b&start=1083&end=1869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b/thumbnail_1083000.jpg","/articles/6282532/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/County-screens-Virginia-Government-Services-Center-history-video-and-recognizes-depot-filmmaker","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282532-7ec588930dda01c983942ae1c62168c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135172&Signature=MpOmQpbOJ~a8hkW5BKxtjd4xwzTPpXPIXzXFeE-dYlKl~Npry5Ui9NOtPDXIHd-a3Cg6xxCGIaUVD6gSzBmmqGqPhgTqPl-mpeh5eOynIuKwJTD8a~ClOiuBqFx485L6jonZS8nkkuF2ITh5wXMJMMCnJeZZHSGkaaQrjirXt5uKVi4juCfEKlUQ8JWrWn11SoPXeYcnRv-9ntHq2tvSv4cGI6I9xnPQ4S9gOZt4CQEM-1O9jFSorBKzATlq-~i97sCYRhUt46dN6lvdkacoIyOT5aGDBEKz2NXqdkBUQGNaTcuGnYM7tQk-uTARdSsgaW7c3dCjSlXDA5HmEhUyPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Louis County Board showed a short film documenting the history of the site now occupied by the Virginia Government Services Center and then recognized the staff member who produced the video.

The video traced four former buildings on the site — Ausbellows Hall (built 1917), a Memorial/Recreation building, the Arrow Shirt Factory (opened 1948), and the Northland Office Building — and included oral histories from former workers who described life at the Arrow shirt factory and other historic uses of the site. Commissioner Nelson said the film would be shown in local Virginia schools and called the time capsule excerpts and historical materials brought to the county “a treasure.”

County staff invited filmmaker and county depot staff member Haley Eydenshink to accept recognition at the meeting. Haley described archival research for the film and thanked partners including the Virginia Area Historical Society and Beyond the Birches Productions for production support. \"There are few things as exciting to me as being able to spend time digging in an archive,\" Haley said.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the screening as part of efforts to preserve and publicize county history and cultural resources, and said it helps educate local students and residents about the county’s economic and social history.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to consider more public displays of county history in the courthouse and to coordinate showing the film in schools and community venues.","St. Louis County screened a film about the history of the Virginia Government Services Center and publicly recognized filmmaker and county depot staff member Haley Eydenshink for her work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282537,"County grants extensions for some tax‑forfeit contracts, moves ahead with cancellations for others",709,2695000,3404000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b&start=2695&end=3404","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b/thumbnail_2695000.jpg","/articles/6282537/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/County-grants-extensions-for-some-taxforfeit-contracts-moves-ahead-with-cancellations-for-others","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282537-6321d369b27085cf44f769f36628b380/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135172&Signature=WpqAEBqXppmMfh2yphzAXN89Vm-QGW2wshSKDjTRqW8R2LNvy96Y4t3FqZeycGf0LaGg7ePBO4SPIS8ljKod5GtrqI7mq15hUksyswDvt~cBhv8yCCpps8Y~sO0qqKQZMXI6O~RMFeS3t1wb-fTakRFYmDgMIlxmBkm5KAHJowd-Lww~9Xi6APijM~GOIwZtUCn0oOYWqGgwbvuJNgamMS9~rVLJreBLiwaI5GQzjv-d3hGE8ztNSM7wramSQqNIBmRv2bN4DBBxiiZDNpVWlGs4zz0uRey03n1Ds7qUNp2e7bClQ~M6CvYos-ECR-vPZt-D8QhMx0M3qf~-M~BswQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Louis County commissioners approved a motion to grant 90‑day extensions for certain delinquent purchase and repurchase contracts for tax‑forfeit land, including cases presented in person, and authorized the department to proceed with cancellation for the remaining contracts listed in the 2025 file.

The board heard two contract holders who asked for extra time. Dominic Joseph Del Caro explained that a recent separation had disrupted finances; Director of Land and Minerals Jason Meyer identified his contract as C22210150. Jonathan Stensland said medical and family expenses reduced his ability to make payments; his contract is C22210105. Commissioners said the board routinely affords limited relief in exceptional circumstances and moved to add the two speakers to the list that will receive an additional 90‑day window.

Motion details and timing: Commissioner Grama moved the time‑extension motion and Commissioner Boyle seconded; the motion carried after a friendly amendment to include the two in‑person speakers. Director Meyer explained that once cancellation commences for a contract, the holder generally has 60 days to cure the default; the board’s approved extension delays the commencement of cancellation for the named contracts by an additional 90 days, after which the standard 60‑day cure period would apply.

Separately, the board approved a second motion to proceed with cancellation for contracts not granted extensions. Commissioner Nelson moved that motion and Commissioner McDonald supported it; the motion passed.

Why it matters: Tax‑forfeit contracts allow individuals to purchase county‑held land but require timely tax and fee payments. County officials said most taxpayers pay on time; the board emphasized that extensions are limited and granted case‑by‑case.

Ending: Board members encouraged anyone with financial hardship to contact county staff earlier in the process so possible solutions can be evaluated before a public cancellation proceeding.","St. Louis County approved 90‑day extensions for two contract holders who asked for more time to cure defaults and directed cancellation proceedings to continue for other delinquent purchase/repurchase contracts, county officials said.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282541,"Minnesota Power tells county board it plans to phase out coal and reach 90% renewables by 2035",954,4042000,4996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b&start=4042&end=4996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b/thumbnail_4042000.jpg","/articles/6282541/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/Minnesota-Power-tells-county-board-it-plans-to-phase-out-coal-and-reach-90-renewables-by-2035","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282541-0dec4d8143e8f8960e1c4ac2c2cef892/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135172&Signature=SSoFjXqw6at8WEhZpHFvdVb~cGRS9PFZzvhBcvyewIk2KEg5I1Herzl5oywrn01aT2F9G8SLs9~O5v4RFUTkHqg7-seIUPO9S7te3ammkjG0jgEZgMZHghYFgguringRUkHtONBHwg5~INJ3BKKB0ur7Oua~IuRvkIipTpkCNZhGzQKUiS68hycgH8kNuYrhZceH0DTo7nWPZogEiA3bqtPMHXttttea8fZoUQsubD6ZCidTcCyxWtdm31R9KT34y7KDQMBgX2yo3EjxezcD9KM2QhiP7XKf0yOOPkl3-3brvrs5bxW0hH6sCKQYT30s-SPiO8PhctwM8fWDKMDC8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jennifer Katie, vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs for Minnesota Power, told the St. Louis County Board that the utility filed its 15‑year integrated resource plan (IRP) on March 1 and aims to reach about 90 percent renewable generation by 2035 while retiring its remaining coal units at the Boswell Energy Center.

\"The number one goal for Minnesota Power is to maintain reliability,\" Katie said in explaining the company’s approach, adding that the IRP must balance reliability, state regulatory requirements and customer costs. She said Boswell Unit 3 is scheduled to cease coal operations in 2030 and Unit 4 in 2035, and that the company is proposing roughly 1,000 megawatts of new natural gas capacity to replace those baseload units while investing in wind, storage and customer programs.

Why it matters: Minnesota Power serves mining and industrial customers across the Iron Range and operates legacy coal and hydro facilities in the region; the board sought local detail because changes at Boswell and in regional imports affect local jobs, grid reliability and rates.

What the company said: Katie described a portfolio approach. Minnesota Power is already about 60 percent renewable on its system and proposes to add wind, energy storage and customer programs to reduce demand. The company also expects demand growth driven by industrial development and electrification. Katie said natural gas is proposed to fill reliability gaps during the transition but noted that many units could later be refueled to run on biomass, depending on state policy.

On rates: Katie said the IRP includes a five‑year rate projection and that the company estimates roughly a 2 percent increase per year over the near term tied to the transition. \"It’s complicated,\" she said, and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will evaluate least‑cost options under state law.

On cross‑border imports: Commissioners asked about electricity from Manitoba Hydro and the effect of recently discussed Canadian tariffs or political actions. Katie said Manitoba hydro currently accounts for about 18 percent of Minnesota Power’s supply and that short‑term tariff developments should not affect reliability; the company is monitoring cost impacts and engaging federal and Canadian partners.

On ownership and capital: Katie described the pending acquisition of Minnesota Power's parent, ALLETE, by long‑term infrastructure investors (announced in 2024). She said the transaction would keep the utility’s headquarters and workforce in place and provide stable private capital; the deal requires multiple regulatory approvals and a separate public comment process.

Board reaction: Commissioners welcomed the commitment to increased renewables but pressed on costs, system diversity and opportunities to pair renewable development with community ownership and industrial strategies such as green‑steel production. Commissioner Nelson asked about expected customer impacts; Katie summarized the five‑year rate view. Commissioners also noted biomass and hydro resources in the region, including Hibbard Energy Center’s biomass operations, and discussed federal and state funding prospects for grid modernization.

Next steps: The IRP is entering a year‑long public and regulatory review at the Minnesota PUC; Minnesota Power said formal comment periods and public hearings will be scheduled and that the company will continue stakeholder engagement.

Ending: County officials said they will continue to follow the IRP process and related permitting and rate proceedings because of their implications for local reliability, employers and ratepayers.","Minnesota Power briefed the St. Louis County Board on a March 1 integrated resource plan that aims to retire Boswell coal units by 2030 and 2035, add renewables and storage, and use natural gas as a bridge; the company said the plan will enter a year‑long regulatory review.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282546,"St. Louis County board to attend two-day tribal relations training hosted by Bois Forte",552,124000,676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b&start=124&end=676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2595677-56516eac0c79f4ab051fd15f177a804b/thumbnail_124000.jpg","/articles/6282546/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/St-Louis-County-board-to-attend-two-day-tribal-relations-training-hosted-by-Bois-Forte","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282546-ce4ad7248a1ec5184e7fb90d114dbe3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135172&Signature=Q4rv55WsE-~czdxWy4wihAJa7libT9X7vcLg93EpRwpKNCh17rWBND1MjGw5aLMk6jonyv79u5H3GPjlwGpzKXLs0ZrNtJMzcPxE0judRIXGlTjc8y5xDVWkvUaSFug~JcBZGRJSX20nicQz4jDt4wQm7Q6A5tDA6sRGEtGAS08OIOaSQsbHu08Zn5yi9MEgjIFfWm08OtYi0Q9Eo5afln1MOVSx6ulVIwyNvD4pDJZfE1qOGLWqBjx7czOFwbnlWn-~Jh51JC6Xl3c2ExPGfS~bMk9A5oVlTn2HiTfipXfYAPbROgridYA-TLqen56eVfj94nk93LpU-CTa14C2jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chair Commissioner Harlow told the St. Louis County Board that the county will send commissioners and about 30 staff to a two‑day state tribal relations training hosted by Bois Forte leadership.

The training, presented by trainer Chad Johnson, covers the history of federal Indian policy, jurisdictional differences on reservations, and practical cooperation topics such as joint infrastructure projects, Johnson said. \"Governor Dayton's executive order in 2013...essentially said that the state had to consult with the Indian tribes,\" Johnson said, adding that subsequent action by Governor Walz made training a statutory requirement for state agencies that will work with tribes.

Why it matters: County leaders said they want staff and elected officials to arrive with a clearer, shared understanding before conducting intergovernmental work with nearby sovereign tribal nations. Chair Commissioner Harlow said the County Tribal Relations Committee — which she said includes Commissioner McDonald and Commissioner Dzukovich and senior staff — is using the training to prepare participants for consultative discussions and joint projects.

Board members who spoke described local examples of cross‑government work that informed the decision. Commissioner McDonald recalled past joint projects — including repair and infrastructure work with Bois Forte and Fond du Lac tribes — and said the training will strengthen those partnerships. Commissioner Nelson praised trainer Johnson as “a quiet voice of common sense” and said the training had moved state officials toward cooperative solutions in the past.

The county will attend the full two‑day session, Harlow said, and staff have placed the event on participants’ calendars. Harlow said the invitation came from Bois Forte leadership and was ratified by other tribal nations in Minnesota, which the county interprets as a formal and coordinated invitation.

Board members asked whether representatives from Fond du Lac would attend. Johnson said tribal leaders’ participation varies by session but that the program typically includes a tribal leaders panel and usually features representatives from multiple reservations during the year. \"If you want to ask questions that are pertaining to Fond du Lac, we have a lot of time for question and answers,\" he said.

The training will include historical background, presentations on reservation land ownership and jurisdiction, and other material Johnson said is designed to be nonthreatening and practical. The board did not take a formal vote on the invitation; commissioners framed the training as preparatory and educational rather than as a binding policy action.

Ending: County leaders said they will report back to the board after the training and flagged Fortune Bay as the planned meeting location for the sessions.","County leaders and roughly 30 staff will attend a two‑day state‑sponsored tribal relations training organized with Bois Forte leadership and offered through the University of Minnesota, county officials said.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: St. Louis County Board actions on March 11, 2025

County screens Virginia Government Services Center history video and recognizes depot filmmaker

County grants extensions for some tax‑forfeit contracts, moves ahead with cancellations for others

Minnesota Power tells county board it plans to phase out coal and reach 90% renewables by 2035

St. Louis County board to attend two-day tribal relations training hosted by Bois Forte