Sherburne County Board of Commissioners
December 16, 2025 - County Board Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners convened in regular session on December 16, 2025, at the Sherburne County Government Center in the City of Elk River, MN. Call to order by the Chair was at 9:00am.
Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Regular Meeting Proposed Agenda
Felber/Danielowski unanimous to approve the Regular Meeting Agenda as presented.
Open Forum
Gary Tonsager spoke.
Consent Agenda
Danielowski/Felber Unanimously approved the consent agenda, with the exception of 3.4, 3.9, 3.19, 3.23.
County Board Meeting Minutes from December 2nd, 2025. Administration Brian Fleming, Economic Development Coordinator
Approved the Official Minutes from the December 2nd, 2025, County Board Meeting, as recommended.
Official Minutes from the December 2nd, 2025, County Board Workshop. Administration Brian Fleming, Economic Development Coordinator
Approved the Official Minutes from the December 2nd, 2025, County Board Workshop, as recommended.
Minutes from the December 4th, 2025, Truth in Taxation Meeting of the County Board. Administration Dan Weber, Assistant County Administrator
Approved the Minutes from the December 4th, 2025, Annual Truth in Taxation Meeting of the County Board, as presented. (on file)
2026 Non-Levied Budgets. Administration Dan Weber, Assistant County Administrator
Approve the 2026 Non-Levy Budgets, as presented and attached. (on file)
Eagle Lake Improvement District 2025 Annual Report. Administration Dan Weber, Assistant County Administrator
Approved and accepted the 2025 Annual Report from the Eagle Lake Improvement District, as presented. (on file)
County Board Appointment to the Great River Regional Library Board of Trustees. Administration Dan Weber, Assistant County Administrator
Approved the Appointment of Cindy Graham to the Great River Regional Library Board of Trustees, for a term of three years beginning January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. (on file)
Approval of Court Appointed Attorney Professional Service Agreements. Administration Katrese Ringham, Court Administrator
Approved the Court Appointed Attorney Professional Services Agreements.
Resolution 121625-AD-3256 to Commit Fund Balance, in Accordance with GASB Statement #54. Auditor / Treasurer Loraine Rupp, Auditor/Treasurer
Approved Resolution No. 121625-AD-3256 to commit Fund Balance, in accordance with GASB Statement #54.
County Auditor-Treasurer to Pay Final 2025 Warrants. Auditor / Treasurer Loraine Rupp, Auditor/Treasurer
Authorized the County Auditor/Treasurer to pay Final 2025 Warrants, as recommended.
Commissioner & Manual Warrants Dated November 21st, 25th, 28th, December 3rd, and December 5th, 2025. Auditor / Treasurer Loraine Rupp, Auditor/Treasurer
Approved Commissioner & Manual Warrants Dated November 21st, 25th, and 28th, and December 3rd and 5th, 2025, as recommended. (on file)
November 21, 2025 Manual Warrants $597,749.79
November 25, 2025 Manual Warrants BMO Harris Pcard Oct $49,419.48
November 28, 2025 Commissioner Warrants $1,985,251.62
November 28, 2025 Manual Warrants $10,535.00
December 3, 2025 Commissioner Warrants I Final Settlement P2 $12,181,990.51
December 3, 2025 Commissioner Warrants II Final Settlement P2 $15,640.41
December 5, 2025 Commissioner Warrants $721,879.82
December 5, 2025 Manual Warrants $13,599,409.46
Contract Extension for Electronic Monitoring (Community Corrections).Community Corrections Corey Mabis-Rowe, Director of Community Corrections
Approved a contract extension with Minnesota Monitoring to provide electronic monitoring equipment and services for court-ordered juvenile and adult offenders. (on file)
2026 Professional Services Agreement for Court-Ordered Juvenile Evaluations. Community Corrections Corey Mabis-Rowe, Director of Community Corrections
Approved a Professional Services Agreement for 2026 with Ms. Stephanie Bruss to complete court-ordered evaluations for juvenile clients. (on file)
HHS IFS Admin Warrants Dated December 5th, 2025.Health & Human Services
Approved HHS IFS Admin Warrants dated December 5th, 2025, as recommended. (on file)
HHS IFS Admin Warrants $91,445.36
Reclassify 1 FTE HHS Clerical Staff to an Income Maintenance Case Aide. Health & Human Services Amanda Larson, HHS Director
Approved Reclassification of one (1) FTE HHS Clerical Staff to one (1) FTE Income Maintenance Case Aide, as recommended.
Contract between Sherburne County and the YMCA of the North for Drop-in Child Care Services.Health & Human Services Gina Anderson, Economic Supports Manager
Approved a Contract between Sherburne County and the YMCA of the North for Drop-in Child Care Services for 2026.
Recommended Revisions to the Sherburne County Rules and Personnel Policies to Conform with New State of Minnesota Laws. Human Resources Tammy Bigelow
Approved Recommended Revisions to the Sherburne County Rules and Personnel Policies, as recommended, for the following Chapters, effective January 1, 2026:
* Chapter 6.2 (Rest and Meal Period)
* Chapter 7 (Employee Benefits) (on file)
Issuance of a Modified and Renewal License to Northern Metals Recycling, LLC. Planning & Zoning Jerome Doede
Approved the issuance of a Modified and Renewal Solid Waste License to Northern Metals Recycling, LLC for continued operations of a Processing Facility with a 5-year term, ending on December 31, 2030, in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Ordinance. (on file)
Recommended 2026 Appointments to the Sherburne County Planning Advisory Commission. Planning & Zoning Lynn Waytashek, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Approve appointment of the following Livonia Township Representative and Alternate to the Planning Advisory Commission, as recommended by the Livonia Township Board, for the term of January 2026-December 2028: (on file)
- Primary Representative: Butch Hass
- Alternate Representative: Lila Spencer
Professional Services Agreement with Houston Engineering, Inc. to Provide Consulting Services to the County for the Calendar Year 2026.Planning & Zoning Dave Lucas, Solid Waste Administrator
Approved a Professional Services Agreement with Houston Engineering, Inc. to Provide Consulting Services to the County for the Calendar Year 2026, as recommended. (on file)
Cross-Country Ski Trail Grooming Agreement with the City of Becker. Public Works Gina Hugo, Parks Director
Approved an agreement with the City of Becker for a Cross-Country Ski Trail Grooming Agreement, as recommended. (on file)
Final Payment for 2025 Pavement Markings (CP 71-PM-025).Public Works Andrew Witter, Public Works Department Head
Approved and authorized final contract payment with Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC for project # CP 71-PM-025 for the 2025 Pavement Markings, as recommended. (on file)
Out-of-State Travel for the County Parks Director to Attend a Park Management Workshop in February 2026 in Denver, Colorado.Public Works Gina Hugo, Parks Director
Approved out-of-state travel for the County Parks Director to attend a 2-day Park Management Training in Denver, Colorado, from February 9th-12th, 2026.
Requested Over-Strength of One (1) Transport/Court Security Deputy Position. Sheriff
Approved an Over-Strength of one Transport/Court Security Deputy position, as requested by the Sheriff’s Office.
Reclassification of the Office Supervisor - Sheriff Admin Position within the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff
Approved the Reclassification of Office Supervisor - Sheriff Admin (Grade 13) to Administrative Supervisor - Sheriff Admin (Grade 14), as recommended.
Requested Over-Strength of One (1) Master Control Operator Position.Sheriff
Approved an Over-Strength of one (1) FTE Master Control Operator position, as requested by the Sheriff’s Office.
Reclassification of a Jail Support Specialist to a Senior Jail Support Specialist within the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Joel Brott, County Sheriff
Approved the Reclassification of one Jail Support Specialist position (pay grade 7) to a Senior Jail Support Specialist (pay grade 8) within the Sheriff’s Office, as recommended.
2026 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan.Administration Dan Weber, Assistant County Administrator
Hulse/Felber unanimously approved the 2026 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, as presented. (on file)
Letter of Support for Connexus Energy’s Empowering Rural America Grant Application.Administration
Felber/Danielowski unanimously approved a letter of support for Connexus Energy’s Empowering Rural America Grant Application.
Solid Waste License Renewal for OTI, Inc.Planning & Zoning Jillian Carlson, Environmental Specialist
Hulse/Danielowski unanimously approved the issuance of a Solid Waste License to OTI, Inc. for the renewal of a Yard Waste Compost Facility for a 5-year term, ending December 31, 2030, in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Ordinance. (on file)
Amendment to MOU between Sherburne County Parks and the Minnesota Land Trust.Public Works Gina Hugo, Parks Director
Felber/Danielowski approved (4-1) a First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between Sherburne County Parks and the Minnesota Land Trust for habitat restoration and enhancement work on protected park land. (on file)
Announcements
County Administrator spoke to the employee recognition event on December 16 and staff holiday lunch on December 18, the Sky Central Regional Airport announced hosting the North Star Airshow on August 1st and 2nd, 2026, Regional and State National Civic Bee March 21st 2026, and recognition of Board Chair Gary Gray’s leadership service as the 2025 Chairperson of the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners.
Employee Recongition
Recognize July - December 2025 Employee Anniversaries. Administration
Department Heads
Recognized July - December 2025 Employee Anniversaries. (on file)
Ditch Authority Agenda.Auditor / Treasurer
Mike Lindenau, County Ditch Inspector
Schumacher/Felber unanimously approved the Ditch Authority agenda for the December 16, 2025 Ditch Authority meeting.
Ditch Drainage Technician’s Report.
Mike Lindenau, County Ditch Inspector
Felber/Huse unanimously accepted the Ditch Drainage Technician’s report.
Payback to the General Fund. Auditor / Treasurer Loraine Rupp, Auditor/Treasurer
Schumacher/Hulse unanimously approved the payback to the General Fund.
Close Open Ditch Authority Meeting, Open Regular Meeting
Regular Agenda
Conditional Use Permit for Farm Related Business-Wine Bar - Carol Zimmerman.Planning & Zoning Lynn Waytashek, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Zoning Administrator Waytashek provided an updated transcript from the Planning Commission meeting, identifying correct speakers. Waytashek asked for feedback from the Board concerning revocation or amendment to the CUP with staff to return with proposed language for consideration at future meeting. Commissioner Gray called upon Ian McCoy, attorney for the permit holder, for comment. Administrator Messelt discussed that the period of public comment is closed and what constitutes the record. After discussion from commissioners, unanimous consensus to have staff prepare proposed optional amendment language concerning condition #7, #8, #13, #14, of the existing Conditional Use Permit for Farm Related Business-Wine Bar, which was granted on May 16, 2023. For Property Address: 15913 41st Street SE, Becker. PID# 45-00021-2405 Legal Desc: W ½ of SE ¼ of SE ¼ of NW ¼ (full legal on file). Sec 21, Twp 35, Rge 28, Santiago Township. 5 acres Agricultural District. The Board also requested the permit holder provide the required log to zoning staff by the end of the week per condition #16.
Preliminary and Final Simple Plat of “Fun Farm”-Ewing Properties. Planning & Zoning Lynn Waytashek, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Felber/Schumacher were unanimous to approve a Preliminary and Final Simple Plat of “Fun Farm” consisting of (1) lot, with the (2) Conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission and listed in the background justification, for Property Address: 15971 27th St SE, Clear Lake. PID #45-00016-2100 & 45-00016-1200. Legal Desc: NE 1-4 of NW 1-4 & NW 1-4 of NE 1-4 ex (full legal on file). Sec 16, Twp 35, Rge 28, Santiago Township. 72.54 acres in the Agricultural District.
Auditor-Treasurer’s Monthly Report for November 2025. Auditor / Treasurer Loraine Rupp, Auditor/Treasurer
Felber/Schumacher were unanimous to accept the Auditor-Treasurer’s monthly report for November 2025.
Resolution No. 121625-AD-3248 Establishing 2026 Salaries for County Commissioners. Administration Bruce Messelt, County Administrator
Felber motioned Resolution No. 121625-AD-3248 establishing the 2026 salaries for Sherburne County Commissioners at a 3% adjustment. Motion failed for lack of a second.
Felber/Schumacher motioned/seconded Resolution No. 121625-AD-3248 establishing the 2026 salaries for Sherburne County Commissioners at a 2% adjustment. Motion failed 1-4.
Felber/Danielowski motioned/seconded Resolution No.121625-AD-3248 establishing the 2026 salaries for Sherburne County Commissioners at a 0% adjustment. The motion was amended by Felber, seconded by Danielowski establishing the 2026 salaries for Sherburne County Commissioners at a 1.5% adjustment, setting the 2026 salaries for Sherburne County Commissioners at $59,999. Motion passed 3-2.
Resolution No. 121625-AD-3257 Establishing 2026 County Elected Official Salaries. Administration Bruce Messelt, County Administrator
Danielowski/Schumacher were unanimous to approve Resolution No. 121625-AD-3257 establishing County Elected Official Salaries for 2026.
Sherburne County Pilot Commuter Bus Service Agmt #1061722 w/ MnDOT. Public Works Andrew Witter, Public Works Department Head, Bruce Messelt, County Administrator
Felber/Hulse were 4-1 to approve the Sherburne County Pilot Commuter Bus Service Agmt #1061722 w/MnDOT, as presented. (on file)
Recess Regular Meeting,
Open Regional Rail Authority Meeting
Close Regional Rail Authority Meeting,
Reconvene Regular Meeting
Regular Agenda
2026 Annual Budget and Associated Annual Levies.Administration Bruce Messelt, County Administrator, Dan Weber, Assistant County Administrator
Felber/Danielowski unanimous to approve the 2026 Annual Budget and Associated Annual Levies.
Commissioner Correspondence, Committee Reports, Upcoming Meetings, Future Agenda Items
Commissioner Felber- Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Pre-meetings and AMC Annual Conference, Central Mississippi River Partnership, Leading on Purpose, Minnesota Inter-County Association (MICA), Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) , Becker Township meeting.
Commissioner Schumacher- Appreciation for Sherburne County Board and all associated.
Commissioner Hulse- Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) committee meeting, Truth-in-Taxation meeting, nuclear energy discussion with the Minnesota Nuclear Alliance, County Corrections meeting, Region 7W Economic Development District meeting, three AMC policy amendments discussion.
Commissioner Danielowski- AMC conference, Truth-in-Taxation meeting, National Association of Counties (NACo) Community, Economic & Workforce Development (CEWD) Policy Steering Committee, Big Lake Township meeting, Central Mississippi River Partnership, Region 7W Economic Development District meeting, staff meetings, responded to constituents’ concerns, response to Public Forum speaker, appreciation for all County Board and County Staff, Big Lake compost fire update.
Commissioner Gray- Pre-meetings for AMC conference, Soil and Water Conservation District meeting, Area Planning Organization meeting, Sherburne County Board Chair appreciation.
Recess Regular Meeting, Open Workshop
Adjourn Workshop, Reconvene Regular Meeting
Adjourn Regular Meeting
Manual Warrants
11/21/25 2,510.34 General Revenue Fund
595,239.45Agency Collections
597,749.79 Total
Manual Warrants BMO
11/25/25 34,010.61 General Revenue Fund
5,376.39 Public Works Fund
207.08Human Service Fund
382.47 Solid Waste Fund
1,969.54 Jail Commissary Fund
3,300.00Capital Proj-
Building, Land
Acquisition Justice 27,432.96Justice Center
Enterprise Fund
4,173.39Center Enterprise Fund
49,419.48 Total
Commissioner Warrants
11/28/25 460,657.91 General Revenue Fund
137,390.23 Public Works Fund
49.00Human Service Fund
4,519.68Solid Waste Fund
22,142.64 Jail Commissary Fund
194,648.62 Justice Center
Enterprise Fund
27,418.78Agency Collections
12,756.89Taxes & Penalties Fund 1,125,667.87Payroll Fiduciary Fund
1,985,251.62 Total
Manual Warrants
11/28/25 10,535.00 Agency Collections
10,535.00Total
Commissioner Warrants Final Settlement I P2
12/3/25 294.33 General Revenue Fund 54,158.54 Metropolitan Transit Fund
766,538.31 Hra & Ec Dev Fund
2.18Hospital District
Collections
1,924.62Agency Collections
17,129.76School Districts
Collections
11,341,939.77Towns & Cities
Collections
12,181,990.51Total
Commissioner Warrants Final Settlement II P2
12/3/25 15,640.41 General Revenue Fund
15,640.41 Total
Manual Warrants
12/5/25 2,337.00 General Revenue Fund
110,792.16Hra & Ec Dev Fund
15,178.50Agency Collections
19,100.82Taxes & Penalties Fund
242,204.22School Districts
Collections
13,209,796.76Towns & Cities
Collections
13,599,409.46 Total
HHS IFS Admin Warrants
12/5/25 29,506.99 Avivo
418.99Boetel/LeAnne
1,415.78BreezyBilling
404.60Byrnes/Anna J
427.70Cheam/Somadee
5,571.88Children Youth
& Families
760.00DNA Diagnostics Center
1,243.28HemoCue America
4,572.91Hennepin County
309.40Martin/Amanda J
4,239.96Office Of MNIT
Services
339.19Olson/JeNee
27,750.00Scene Clean Inc
5,431.50Sherburne County
Auditor Treasurer
5,007.65YMCA - Elk River
4,045.5326 Payments less
than 300
91,445.36Total
Raeanne Danielowski, Board Chairperson
Bruce Messelt, Administrator
(Published in the Patriot: 01/10/26.)
