Isanti County approves Anoka Conservation District agreement for Becklin Homestead shoreline work and signs off on contracts, licenses

The Isanti County Board of Commissioners on April 7 unanimously approved a cooperative agreement with the Anoka Conservation District to carry out shoreline restoration at Becklin Homestead County Park on the Rum River.

The resolution, adopted by roll-call vote, cites Minnesota Statutes Section 471.59 and stipulates that the Anoka Conservation District (ACD) will assume all costs for design, construction and maintenance of the restoration. Barry Wendorf, Environmental Services Division Leader, was authorized to execute the agreements necessary to implement the project on behalf of the county.

The approval comes as the county also cleared a package of routine operational items. The board authorized a PSAP telephone line‑tree for the county telecommunications center using a Lumen quote of $13,289.19 to be paid from E911 funds. Commissioners recorded unanimous votes on the PSAP item and all other motions.

Other actions taken included approval of the consent agenda covering personnel actions and claims (claims and warrants listed at $326,656.95); a 2026 Recycling Facility License for Waste Management; multiple 2026 Solid Waste Collection & Transportation licenses for area haulers; a gravel supply and placement contract with Bjorklund Companies for approximately 3,300 tons of Class 5 gravel on two miles of CR 63 and about 750 tons for stockpiling (unit prices: $12.25/ton for placement, $14.00/ton for delivered stockpiles); and contract No. 2610 to Sir Lines‑A‑Lot LLC for centerline and edge‑line striping on roughly 180 miles of county highways at $21.90 per gallon (estimated total $165,783.00).

During the meeting, Heather Sward, Isanti County Human Resources Director, provided an update on Minnesota Paid Leave. The board also authorized Administration & Human Resources to use revolving temporary positions, at the joint discretion of the County Administrator and HR Director, to address long‑term vacancies subject to cost‑benefit and budget neutrality analyses. A draft ICPOET employee agreement presented by Sward and Sheriff Wayne Seiberlich was reviewed by the County Attorney; no revisions were requested.

All recorded motions were approved by a roll‑call vote in which Commissioners Duff, LaRowe, Christensen, Berg and Westerberg voted aye. The board adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

Meeting documents signed include Amanda Usher, County Administrator, and Alan Duff, County Board Chairman.