August 21, 2018 – Following are highlights and key priorities covered at the Tuesday, Aug 21 Board of Commissioners Meeting:

Agenda Approval
Motion was made and carried to approve the agenda with one addition: Veteran Service Grant Agreement to be added to the consent agenda. 

Public Comment Period
None 

Consent Agenda
Motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda items as presented:

A. Claims
B. Cook County Water Advisory Committee Member  
C. Veteran Service Grant Acceptance

Agenda

Land Exchange - County Attorney
County Attorney Molly Hicken presented two lease agreements that are necessary for completion and closing of the US Forest Service/Cook County Land Exchange.

1. Authorize execution of a utility easement to Arrowhead Cooperative effective as of the date of closing of the Land Exchange. Motion was made and carried to approve.
2. Authorize execution of a Ground Lease to Maple Hill Volunteer Fire Department effective as of the date of closing of the Land Exchange. Motion was made and carried to approve.

Budget Review
General Fund Budget:

County Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers reviewed the General Fund Budget as submitted by Department Heads. This years’ first levy summary shows a more reasonable levy increase request compared to recent years. General Fund budgets will continue to be reviewed and refined through the budget season and we would anticipate the board approving a preliminary and final levy increase below this level. No action at this time.

EDA Budget Review:  

Scott Harrison gave an update on projects started or completed in 2018 through the Economic Development Authority (EDA) including: the Golf Course, the Nordic Star Housing Development in Grand Marais, and the One Roof workforce housing rental housing project in Lutsen. There have been 28 applications to purchase the four homes in Grand Marais, and they hope to have occupancy in the Lutsen project by Nov 1, 2018. Total investment in both housing projects is in excess of $4 million with a significant portion coming from grants through IRRRB and other sources. Howard Hedstrom, discussed the EDA budget request which includes a levy portion of $289,000 up 5% from $275,000 last year. The Entire EDA budget is approximately $1.5 million and is again largely supported by grant funds. No action at this time.

County Administrator
Jeff Cadwell, spoke to the first draft of the budget. Looking at future positions for next year; Additional staff requests total 3.15 FTE and just over $250,000. Each of these will have to be addressed and approved individually after a final budget is set.  

Full details of Board Meetings are available through video footage, Agendas & Minutes at www.co.cook.mn.us. County Board Meetings are open to the public.

Contact: Jeff Cadwell, Cook County Administrator, 218-387-3687 or [email protected]