Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 16, 2025; after two competing levy resolutions, the board adopted the 2026 budget and certified a $15,315,883 levy. The board approved multiple Family Services staffing and contract items, adopted an updated Emergency Operations Plan, and completed several routine resolutions and contract approvals.
Discussion Points
•Board approved distribution and required state submission.
•Board expressed consensus to support the Family Services Advisory Committee request for staff collaboration with Lakes & Pines when needs arise.
•Board members cast differing votes on rescission.
•Commissioners debated two competing resolutions that differed in total budget and levy amounts.
•County Coordinator asked to rescind prior resolutions to ensure a clear record of the Auditor/Treasurer Trainee appointment.
•County Coordinator Kris McNally presented the final budget and levy certification requirements and the board considered two alternative levy reductions.
•County Emergency Management Department completed a comprehensive review incorporating HSEM guidance, THIRA, NIMS, FEMA CPG 101 v3 and lessons learned.
•Director Chuck Hurd presented the Family Services agenda and led an informational discussion on Annual Housing Supports.
Decisions
•Adoption of 2025 EOP and renewal of EMPG agreement.
•Approval of internal promotion to Lead Social Worker; approval of psychiatric services contracts and CMJTS agreement; Family Services claims payments approved.
•Resolution #14 rescinded; no replacement appointment recorded in these minutes.
•Resolution #16 failed; Resolution #17 passed and the 2026 budget and levy were adopted.
Directions
•County Coordinator directed to certify adopted budget and levy to Kanabec County Auditor and Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue.
•Emergency Management Director to distribute the plan and submit it to Minnesota HSEM for review and records.
•Staff directed to collaborate with Lakes & Pines on housing supports as needs arise.
•Staff directed to document the rescission in the record; no further steps recorded in minutes.
Kanabec County Board adopted multiple personnel appointments and county policies, approved labor agreements with IUOE Local 49, authorized right-of-way acquisition steps for the CR 25 road project (including eminent domain as a last resort), and held a Truth in Taxation budget presentation with no public comment.
Discussion Points
•Initial appointment of Jessica Gravich had produced a 3–2 vote; commissioners later moved to reconsider that action.
•Legal counsel recommended development of an AI policy; policies were reviewed by Policy Committee and legal counsel.
•MOAs formalize implementation details for Minnesota Paid Leave and transition to an enhanced Performance Pay program.
•Project requires permanent and temporary easements along County Road 25; voluntary acquisition preferred.
Decisions
•Board adopted AI Policy P-130 and revised Telework Policy P-105 unanimously.
•Board approved both MOAs unanimously.
•Final appointment of Kelly Christianson by 3–2 roll-call vote.
•Resolution #22 approved unanimously to enable acquisition steps, including eminent domain as last resort.
Directions
•Authorize signatures and begin administrative implementation on Jan. 1, 2026.
•County Engineer and County Attorney authorized to secure appraisals and negotiate purchases; Rinke Noonan authorized to notify owners and pursue eminent domain if needed.
•Personnel Director and Department Head authorized to fill vacancy created by internal promotion.
•Publish policies and provide department-level implementation guidance before effective dates.
Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 18, 2025 in Mora. The board adopted an artificial intelligence policy, authorized staff to ask the state to seek an alternate vendor for driver’s license services in Mora, approved multiple Family Services staffing and grant actions, and set a Jan. 6, 2026 public hearing on a petition to vacate a portion of Wall Road.
Discussion Points
•County Coordinator Kris McNally presented the AI policy and noted legal counsel review.
•Family Child Care licensing information presented as information only; staffing shortages and pay considerations discussed for nurse recruitment; Family Services Director provided updates.
•Recorder referenced a 2025 state law offering data protection for judges and families; Environmental Services explained cost overrun for HHW event; Drainage Authority discussed ditch work; petition to vacate Wall Road had majority signatures.
•Two letters of interest from local businesses received; DPS has final authority; board authorized request to state and transition assistance.
Decisions
•Adopt policy P-130 effective Nov. 18, 2025
•All Family Services resolutions passed unanimously.
•Authorize request to DPS; continue county provision if no vendor found.
•Fees, payments, and hearing were approved.
Directions
•Public Works to request the State search for an alternate vendor and assist with transition.
•Publish, post and mail notice of hearing for Wall Road vacation; pay vendors as authorized.
•Send position description to pay consultant; hire Financial Worker; execute AMHI addendum and DHS agreement; procure computers.
Kanabec County Board met Nov. 4, 2025; commissioners approved claims and permits, unanimously adopted a resolution urging repeal of Minnesota's moratorium on new nuclear energy, recessed for the Community Health Board which approved multiple public-health contracts and a new planner position, and approved several personnel and facility-tenancy actions before adjourning.
Discussion Points
•Board cited state Renewable Energy Standard and projected increases in electricity demand as reasons to revisit the moratorium.
•Board tied the planner role to SHIP grant expansion and regional collaboration duties.
•Community Health emphasized continuity by continuing the medical consultant contract.
•Large claims were approved across Revenue and Road & Bridge funds.
•Resolution text references advanced nuclear technologies, perceived safety record, and leadership by other states in expanding nuclear generation.
•The board agreed on a two-round interview process for Recorder Trainee and Auditor-Treasurer Trainee positions (first round: Personnel Committee + Dept. Head; second round: County Board).
Decisions
•Adopted resolution to join MNEA and urge state lawmakers and regulatory agencies to reconsider the moratorium.
•Approved CH10, CH11, CH12; approved payment of CH claims.
•Approved claims, permit, termination of tenancy, and personnel actions; entered and concluded closed session on union negotiation strategy.
Directions
•Authorize Community Health Administrator to sign Infant Mental Health agreement.
•Terminate tenancy with City of Mora effective Dec. 31, 2025; proceed with personnel actions as approved.
Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met October 21, 2025 in the County Board Room and via WebEx. The board approved routine claims and payroll, directed Family Services to collect a $50 daycare licensing fee, authorized multiple personnel succession hires and promotions, approved opioid settlement spending recommendations, accepted a $575,000 Small Cities Development Program grant and contract with Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, approved an accounts-payable workflow agreement with ISC Imaging, and adopted two county policy updates.
Discussion Points
•Amounts: $6,000 for K-9 Rip gear; $1,900 for Ogilvie Schools PBIS; $3,518.50 to Kanabec County Community Health; $7,430 to East Central Drug Task Force.
•Assistant Engineer vacancy to be refilled; promotion approved with an abstention recorded.
•Board adopted both revised policies with effective date Oct. 21, 2025.
•Board authorized temporary postings to enable succession planning for pending retirements (Auditor/Treasurer and Recorder).
•Committee recommended funding four initiatives targeting prevention, youth engagement, community support and law enforcement.
•County Attorney recommended adding indemnity language to the CMHP contract; board approved that addition.
•County staff currently perform annual inspections and licensing duties at no charge.
•Existing accounts payable process characterized as antiquated and inefficient by Technology Committee.
•Kanabec County awarded $575,000 SCDP grant to assist qualifying homeowners in Ogilvie, Quamba and Grasston.
•Legal counsel and Policy Committee recommended updates to P-110 and P-111.
•Pay-grade recommendations for two trainee job descriptions were presented and accepted.
•Recommendation to add a new component to an existing county system to streamline processes.
•State of Minnesota communicated counties may charge a $50 fee to partially cover licensing expenses.
Decisions
•Action #FS9 carried unanimously directing collection of the fee.
•Resolution #16 adopted authorizing the awards.
•Resolution #19 adopted to approve the agreement.
•Resolution #20 carried unanimously to approve CMHP as grant administrator with indemnity language.
•Resolutions #12–#18 adopted to implement classification, recruitment and promotion actions.
•Resolutions #21 and #22 adopted to formalize policy revisions.
Directions
•County Coordinator authorized to execute agreement and related documents.
•County Coordinator to maintain and may execute modifications as needed.
•Enter into agreement with ISC Imaging; County Coordinator authorized to sign the agreement.
•Expenditures to be made from the Opioid Settlement Fund balance as approved.
•Family Services directed to collect $50 fee from each licensed daycare facility.
•Follow-up hiring timelines to be determined by departments and Personnel Director.
•Personnel director authorized to post and recruit; departments to coordinate backfill and training.
The Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 7, 2025, and voted unanimously on a slate of routine items including accepting the 2024 audited financial statements, approving multiple resolutions (lease of a county parcel, tax-forfeit land sale, grant agreements, and fund adjustments), and adding $8,708 to the Mora branch library budget. The Community Health Board approved SHIP contracts and authorized acceptance of a Medica Foundation grant if awarded.
Discussion Points
•Auditor/Treasurer recommended closing Clean Water Partnership restricted fund to reduce administrative burden.
•Community Health Director identified SHIP staffing needs and short grant deadlines for Medica Foundation application.
•Need to return parcel 22-06430-00 to tax rolls to encourage local business development (lease discussion).
Decisions
•Accepted the 2024 audited financial statements.
•Approved lease authorization for parcel 22-06430-00 pending negotiated lease.
•Approved multiple resolutions and budget adjustments as listed in 'Votes at a glance'.
Directions
•Auditor/Treasurer to transfer Clean Water Partnership funds and close bank account.
•Coordinator and legal counsel to draft lease agreement (minimum $500/month) for board signature when terms agreed.
•Human Resources to send trainee job descriptions to pay consultant for scoring.
Kanabec County Board met Sept. 16, 2025, approved the preliminary 2026 budget and levy, authorized several insurance and contract renewals (including a Kavira Health contract), accepted a phone-system buyout and snow-removal bid, and approved hiring a deputy recorder after a 3-2 vote.
Discussion Points
•Board reviewed proposed fund budgets and levy amounts across funds; Commission noted County Program Aid of $1,405,203 included in revenue projections.
•IS department recommended equipment buyout; HR presented insurance options and recommended a Kavira Health contract to reduce claims; Public Works presented snow removal bids; Family Services presented MFIP agreement.
•Recorder intends to retire in early 2026 and Recorder's Office recommends minimum 3 months training for new employee; board authorized recruitment and hiring steps.
Decisions
•Adopted proposed FY2026 budgets and preliminary levy totals.
•Approved IS buyout, Kavira contract, insurance renewals and snow removal contract; Family Services approved MFIP agreement.
•Authorized hiring of a 1.0 FTE Deputy Recorder with specified pay and training timeline.
Directions
•Board requested additional information on Arthur Township tonnage and capping options for recycling funding.
•Personnel Director and County Recorder authorized to post and recruit.
The Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 2, 2025, approving routine claims and personnel actions, advancing several community health board resolutions including a clinical training agreement with Anoka Ramsey Community College and staffing actions for home care nursing, and authorizing funding for household hazardous waste and a 4-H County Clean‑Up Day. The board also accepted final payment for a road surfacing project and approved as‑needed legal services for a right‑of‑way acquisition.
Discussion Points
•HR Specialist and Insurance Committee recommended moving voluntary plans to MetLife citing a PFML premium guarantee; commissioners approved without dissent.
•Kathy Burski presented training agreement and staffing needs; board emphasized continuity of care during recruitment.
•Nikki Priebe reviewed the 4‑H Clean‑Up Day plans tied to the hazardous waste collection.
•Public Works provided project updates; board accepted final payment on a completed surfacing project.
•Ryan Carda presented a request from Arthur Township for increased recycling funding; board asked for more data.
Decisions
•Approved clinical training agreement; authorized recruitment for full‑time Home Care Nurse; approved temporary part‑time transition for resigning nurse.
•Approved MetLife agreement, personnel actions, claim payments, final payment to contractor, and legal services proposal.
•Approved up to $9,000 for hazardous waste collection and up to $6,000 for 4‑H Clean‑Up Day.
Directions
•HR to execute MetLife agreement; Public Works to issue final payment and execute legal services agreement as needed.
•Personnel Director and Community Health Director authorized to implement staffing transition.
•Staff to provide cost and participation data for Arthur Township's recycling request.
Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 19, 2025; the board approved an employment contract for the county auditor-treasurer and converted the office to an appointed position effective Oct. 4, 2025, set minimum bids for tax-forfeited parcels (10%), authorized an informal sale offer to Haybrook Township, and approved several staffing and service measures including converting a Timber Trails bus driver to full time and authorizing a temporary case-management contract (not to exceed $10,000).
Discussion Points
•An initial motion to set 25% minimum bids was rescinded and replaced with the 10% policy.
•Board discussed that the parcel in question contains roads in a plat maintained by Haybrook Township and that the Dept. of Revenue had declined a cancellation of forfeiture earlier.
•Board noted budget inclusion of the full-time transit position and that temporary contract will address near-term staffing shortfalls.
•Family Services director presented rationale for advisory committee; Community Health discussed staffing and training timelines required by DHS for case managers.
•Public commenters requested postponement and cited statute 471.701 regarding posting of highest-paid employees; board noted an Aug. 5 public hearing was held as referenced in Resolution #13.
The Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met in Mora, Minnesota on August 5, 2025, approving routine claims and personnel actions, adopting a private Paid Family and Medical Leave plan with MetLife effective Jan. 1, 2026, advancing several Public Works contracts, and holding a public hearing on whether to make the Auditor-Treasurer an appointed office.
Discussion Points
•Committee scoring of proposals considered cost, experience and references; county engineer cited sight-distance issues at the named intersection.
•County Coordinator read statutory notice and recited prior July 1 resolution initiating consideration.
•Grant would expand Mora Rocks the Park into a year-round program; receptionist vacancy requires posting to maintain Family Health services.
•RFP process and Insurance Committee evaluation favored MetLife for cost and administration.
Decisions
•Adopt MetLife private PFML plan effective Jan. 1, 2026; forgo state plan.
•Multiple resolutions awarding contracts and approving purchases passed unanimously.
•No decision at this meeting; hearing closed.
•Resolutions approved unanimously.
Directions
•County Coordinator authorized to sign documents to implement the private plan.
•Public Works to execute awarded contracts and proceed with traffic-control installations.
•Record public comments for future board consideration.
•Staff authorized to apply for grant and to post/hire receptionist; staff to proceed with opioid funds purchase.
Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met July 15, 2025 and approved a series of routine motions and resolutions including payments of claims, hiring authorizations in Family Services and Community Health, an interim use permit for a short-term rental, engineering contracts for two culvert replacements, a drainage assessment order for County Ditch #2, and an EDA appointment.
Discussion Points
•Arthur Township requested increased recycling funding; board requested more information and took no action.
•County staff presented informational updates from CMJTS and the County Assessor.
•Family Services and Community Health reported staff resignations and sought authorization to recruit replacements.
Decisions
•Accepted Erickson Engineering quotes for two culvert design contracts ($21,300 each).
•Adopted $10,000 maintenance assessment for County Ditch #2.
•Appointed Lana Black to the EDA.
•Approved Interim Use Permit for 2076 Kendall Loop.
Directions
•Community Health Director and Personnel Director authorized to post and hire a replacement part-time Case Management Nurse.
•Drainage Authority staff to notify affected property owners of the Ditch 2 assessment.
•Family Services Director and HR to proceed with hiring process for Eligibility Worker at Grade 10, Step A.
The Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met July 1, 2025 in Mora and by WebEx. Commissioners approved routine claims and personnel actions, adopted a revised social media policy, authorized a public hearing on whether to convert the elected Auditor/Treasurer to an appointed office, and the Community Health Board approved a youth grant application and travel for a SHIP coordinator.
Discussion Points
•A five-year postage machine lease was authorized; surplus equipment list was approved for online auction.
•Board reviewed statutory authority (Minn. Stat. 375A.1205) and scheduled a public hearing.
•Claims and personnel actions were presented and approved as routine consent items.
•Denise Snyder requested consideration of moving Auditor/Treasurer from elected to appointed.
•Kathy Burski presented grant opportunity and information on cannabis licensing and RPC funding/duties.
•Social Media Policy revisions recommended by legal counsel and Policy Committee were adopted.
Decisions
•Multiple routine administrative actions approved by unanimous roll call.
•Public hearing authorized; no final appointment decision made.
•Resolutions CH8 and CH9 approved; cannabis licensing and RPC funding discussed as information only.
Directions
•Implement hires and promotions; execute lease and list surplus equipment for auction; publish updated social media policy.
•Staff to publish and hold the public hearing on Aug. 5, 2025 at 9:45 a.m.
•Staff to pursue grant application if invited and follow grant acceptance procedures if awarded.
Kanabec County Board met June 17, 2025; the board approved multiple construction contract awards and claims, authorized a Safe Streets grant application, approved personnel actions including hiring authority for a Community Health nurse, and directed Environmental Services to pursue Waste Tire Ordinance violations in Grasston.
Discussion Points
•Board accepted IIJA grant terms and authorized a separate Safe Streets application for a larger package of safety improvements.
•Board approved multiple claims across funds during this meeting, representing routine administrative and financial actions.
•County accepted staff recommendations for hiring authority and the MOA with LELS; the promotion was approved following certification completion.
•Environmental Services noted a request from Arthur Township separately for SCORE funds; Board tabled that funding request pending additional information.
•Grasston mayor reported ongoing waste tire ordinance violations within the city and asked for county assistance.
•Multiple low bids were reviewed and accepted across county road projects; some projects overlap with city responsibilities requiring municipal approvals.
Decisions
•Board placed Waste Tire Ordinance and tax‑forfeited property cleanup on future agenda for follow up.
•Multiple low bids accepted and staff authorized to execute contracts; grant application and grant agreements authorized.
•Resolutions #7, #10 and #11 adopted; claims payments approved across Family Services, Revenue Fund, paid‑claims list and Road & Bridge Fund.
Directions
•Community Health and Personnel to post and hire for the vacated nurse position; Board Chair and Sheriff to sign the LELS MOA; staff to process claims payments per county policy.
•Environmental Services to follow established enforcement procedure for Waste Tire Ordinance violations and to clarify tax‑forfeiture regulations as applicable.
•Public Works Director authorized to submit Safe Streets For All application and execute IIJA grant agreements.
•Staff to coordinate with City of Mora on city‑dependent project cost approvals.
Kanabec County Board met June 3, 2025 and unanimously approved routine claims and several resolutions, including a labor agreement with Local 363, multiple personnel reclassifications effective Jan. 1, 2026, policy updates (Employment Policy P-102 and ADA Policy P-109), and an application to cancel a 2016 tax forfeiture affecting Haybrook 1st Addition. The Community Health Board authorized Regional Prevention Grant purchases, renewed a veterans care agreement, and authorized applications for 2026 transit grants.
Discussion Points
•Agreement to apply for 2026 transit grants with specified local match obligations.
•Chiller compressor replacement quotes and vendor selection.
•Contract approval for Local 363 labor agreement.
•Legal mechanism for cancellation under Minn. Stat. 279.34.
•Pay-range increases recommended by pay/wage consultant for specified positions.
•Renewal of Veterans Care Agreement to maintain services for local veterans.
•Risk that auction would remove resident access.
•Township maintenance of platted outlots for ~15 years.
•Use of remaining RPC grant funds to purchase tote bags and other approved items.
Decisions
•Resolution #13 approved unanimously.
•Resolutions #19, #15 and #16 series approved unanimously.
•Resolutions CH8, CH9 and CH10 approved unanimously.
Directions
•Auditor authorized to file PT90 with the Department of Revenue.
•Community Health Director authorized to execute purchases and sign agreements.
•HR to implement pay-range changes effective Jan. 1, 2026; Facilities to schedule chiller work with chosen vendor.
The Kanabec County Board of Commissioners met May 6, 2025 in Mora and by WebEx for routine county business, approving claims and multiple permits, convening the Community Health Board for several grant-related resolutions and contracts, and approving infrastructure work and opioid-settlement funding recommendations. The meeting included votes on contracts, bridge work and several grant application authorizations.
Discussion Points
•Commissioner Caswell moved to hire a SHIP planner but the motion failed for lack of a second.
•Committee prioritized school‑based prevention, youth engagement and community outreach.
•County staff verified applications were complete and consistent with County policy.
•Grant terms for the Local Bridge Replacement Program were reviewed and accepted.
•Quotes and bids for equipment and bridge repairs were presented; staff recommended low responsible bids and contractor selection.
•Staff summarized grant opportunities (SHIP, REP, SAMHSA stipend) and consultant proposals for strategic planning.
Decisions
•Approved funding recommendations; Mora Year 2 funding contingent on implementation and reporting.
•Approved multiple exempt gambling permits, including a late-entry permit.
•Approved procurement and grant agreements; authorized staff to use lowest responsible price for rentals and services.
•Approved SHIP application authorization; approved strategic planning contract 4–1; did not approve hiring a Community Health Planner at this meeting.
Directions
•Issue permits per normal procedure.
•Proceed with grant applications and consultant contracting; staff to follow county contracting procedures and County Attorney review.
•Public Works Director to execute contracts and coordinate scheduling and grant paperwork.
•Staff to process awards and implement monitoring.
Kanabec County Board met February 4, 2025; the board approved a series of routine claims and procurement actions, ratified collective bargaining agreements, adopted an updated wages and salaries policy, and the Community Health Board authorized seeking up to $10,000 in SHIP funds and to replace a retiring Home Care Nurse.
Discussion Points
•Board reviewed proposed collective bargaining agreement and MOAs and was informed the Teamsters local signed the agreement; no recorded debate.
•Director described SHIP funding opportunity via JUUL settlement funds and the intended use to support commercial tobacco-free strategies.
•Staff noted the noncompliance of the initial vehicle quote with the State CPV contract and presented CPV-compliant alternatives.
Decisions
•CHB authorized SHIP funding request and recruitment for replacement nurse.
•Collective bargaining agreement and MOAs approved; policy P-106 adopted.
•Rescind prior resolution, accept Karl Automotive quote, approve MCIS hosting and AutoAgent EscrowCloud, accept sign inventory quote, form JD 6 JDA.
Directions
•Board Chair and Coordinator authorized to sign agreements and MOAs.
•Director authorized to prepare work plan and accept funds; Personnel Director and Community Health to post for Home Care Nurse.
•Public Works to proceed with purchase from Karl Automotive Group and complete procurement paperwork.
Peter Ripka
County Commissioner — District 1 – South Fork, Brunswick, and Grass Lake Townships and City of Grasston
Todd Sjoberg
County Commissioner — District 2 – City of Mora, Precincts 1 & 2
Wendy Caswell
County Commissioner — District 3 – Arthur and Kanabec Townships and City of Ogilvie
