Crow Wing County approves abatement using solid-waste funds for two nuisance properties

County Public Health staff told the Crow Wing County Board about two nearby properties posing public-health risks and asked the board to authorize use of solid-waste funds for abatement.

Taylor Lesmeister of Crow Wing County Public Health described the first site at 17394 North Nelson Road (District 5) as containing an estimated 300 tires — many holding water — plus mattresses and dilapidated structures that create breeding habitat for mosquitoes and rodents. Lesmeister said owners (a group of siblings who no longer live locally) agreed to let the county abate the site with costs assessed to the property.

Lesmeister then described a second property on North Nelson Road in Irondale Township (parcel 71320501) where an open trailer overflowing with garbage and a nearby pit with burned and buried waste posed contamination and rodent risks. Staff said owners had been unresponsive to outreach and recommended opening both projects for bids, ideally using the same contractor for efficiency and cost savings.

The board approved a motion to use solid-waste funds to abate the two identified nuisances. Commissioner Lee made the motion; Commissioner Barrows seconded. Meeting minutes record the motion carried by voice vote; exact counts were not specified.

What happens next: Staff said they will open both projects for bids and assess any abatement costs to property owners. The approved action authorizes county staff to proceed with abatement contracting and cost recovery as permitted by local and state regulations.