Meeker County commissioners approve emergency no-wake order, bridge design contract and governance review; appoint finance director

The Meeker County Board of Commissioners on July 1 approved several items by motion and roll call, including a 30‑day temporary “no wake” order for specified lakes, an engineering services agreement for a bridge replacement, a resolution to explore alternative governance for the Community Health Board under Minnesota Statute 145A and the appointment of Heather Lemieux as the county finance director.

The board voted to adopt a temporary no‑wake resolution to respond to high lake levels and shore erosion. Chief Deputy Bill Hudson of the sheriff’s office told commissioners the resolution would allow county staff to post temporary no‑wake restrictions — up to 30 days at a single emergency — on lakes that have exceeded their ordinary high water lines and to work with local lake associations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on longer-term regulation. The resolution was adopted by roll call (Oberg: yes; Van Ort: yes; Samkee: yes; Johnson: yes).

The board also approved an engineering services agreement with Erickson Engineering of Eden Prairie for design and construction engineering services related to replacement of bridge number 47504 (the Cassatt 26 Bridge). The estimated cost for design and construction engineering services is $149,024. Commissioner Van Ort moved the agreement; Commissioner Samkee seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioners approved a resolution directing county staff to formally announce the county’s intent to explore alternative governance structures and models for performing the duties of the Meeker‑McLeod‑Sibley Community Health Board as outlined in Minnesota Statute 145A. The resolution passed on a roll call (Samkee: yes; Van Ort: yes; Oberg: yes; Johnson: yes).

The board confirmed the appointment of Heather Lemieux as finance director at a wage of $57.21 per hour, effective July 10, 2025. The appointment was moved by Commissioner Van Ort and seconded by Commissioner Oberg and carried by voice vote; commissioners praised Lemieux’s experience with Wright County, Sherburne County and the Office of the State Auditor.

Other routine business approved during the meeting included the printed agenda and a consent agenda that covered items listed by the county administrator (minutes, board of appeals and equalization minutes, health and human services and hospital accounts payable, temporary liquor licenses and a well disclosure fee increase). The motion to approve the consent agenda carried by voice vote.

The board also set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2025, to consider an ordinance imposing slow/no‑wake watercraft restrictions on designated lakes; the public hearing date was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: all formal roll-call votes recorded during the meeting were unanimous in favor where a roll call was taken; several other items were approved by voice vote.