After an hour-long public hearing and discussion a few weeks back, the Sherburne County Board voted, 3-2 to amend the county’s tobacco ordinance.
A number of people spoke in favor of the changes. Some business owners felt it would negatively impact their businesses, since the changes would make it illegal for 16 and 17-year olds to sell tobacco products to customers.
The new rules would require clerks to be at least 18 to sell tobacco products. The business owners said it would limit their options when finding employees at their stores.
After the public finished testifying, each commissioner weighed in on the discussion, which focused primarily on the issue of the age of employees.
Each recognized the impact it would have on businesses, but didn’t agree about who should be able to sell the products.
After a 35-minute debate, Commissioner Gregg Felber made a motion to pass the ordinance, but modifying the age restriction from 18 to 16. That motion failed, 4-1.
Commissioner Raeanne Danielowski then made a motion to pass the ordinance as presented. That motion passed, 3-2 with Commissioners Danielowski, Gary Gray and Andrew Hulse in favor. Commissioners Felber and Brad Schumacher voted against.
The proposed changes to the county ordinance include but are not limited to:
1. Updating several definitions and language to reflect federal and state law minimum standards, including updated penalty structure for those who violate any part of the county ordinance.
2. Restricting the sale of flavored vapes to licensed tobacco shops only.
3. Requiring annual retailer training for all staff.
4. Setting a minimum age of 18 for all clerks selling commercial tobacco products.
5. Prohibiting the sampling of all commercial tobacco products.
6. Implementing a 500-foot proximity limit from a school for any new tobacco shop license.
The changes replace the county’s existing ordinance, which was adopted Jan. 1, 2018. The revised ordinance takes effect July 1, 2026.
Family Services
The board renewed the contract with Greater Minnesota Family Services for 2026-2028 at a cost of $50,000 per year.
The vendor will provide In-Home Therapy and In-Home Skills level work in order to support families in need of therapeutic support. The service will decrease the need for higher level mental health services like out-of-home placements in hospitals, group homes and residential facilities.
Employee Paid Leave
The board approved Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the county Highway Employees Association and AFSCME Council 65 Assistant County Attorney Unit regarding Minnesota Paid Leave. The MOUs with the different unions allow employees to supplement paid leave with accrued leave along with outlining details regarding this supplementation and what happens if the employee is overpaid.
Solid Waste Licenses
The board renewed a Solid Waste License for Tri-County Pallet & Crate for a Processing Facility for a five-year term ending Dec. 31, 2031.
The board also renewed a Solid Waste License for Product Recovery, Inc. for a Processing Facility for a five-year term, ending Dec. 31, 2031.
Staff have conducted regular inspections on both facilities and to date, operations have been in compliance with the current existing county licenses.
Committee Appointments
The board approved the following appointments to the Sherburne County Planning Advisory Commission for the period of Jan. 1 2026 until Dec. 31, 2028: Blue Hill Twp. Representative -Francine Larson; Clear Lake Twp. Alternate - Ross Imholte; Haven Twp. Primary - Kathi Sims-Kosloski; Haven Twp. Alternate - Kari Watkins.
The board approved the reappointment of Lloyd Stimmler, Michelle Macmillan and Roger Johnson as well as new appointment of Bruce Aubol to the Sherburne County Board of Adjustment for a three-year term from Jan. 1, 2026 until Dec. 31, 2028.
Resource Grant
The board approved and accepted the 2026-2027 Natural Resource Block Grant (NRBG) Agreement from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources in the amount of $139,831.
The grant will be used to help fund: Local Water Management ($16,188); Wetland Conservation ($31,599); Shoreland ($9,744); Septic Treatment Systems ($42,400) and Septic Treatment Systems Upgrades through Low Income Fix Up Grants ($29,501).
Land Purchase
The board approved a resolution to exercise the right to purchase the land described in the lease agreement with the Trust for Public Land within the Two Inlets at Bde Hehaka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park Boundary.
The grant will reimburse the county $526,880 of the $658,600 acquisition cost. The’county’s match is $131,720 and is in the 2025 approved Parks budget.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Approved the final payment of $10,080.87 to Design Electric for the 2024 streetlights & mumble strips within Sherburne and Wright counties. Final contract amount is $571,805.18;
• Approved the donation of obsolete X26P tasers with accessories from the Sheriff’s Office to the Anoka Police Dept. The equipment includes 37 X26P tasers with accessories (including 21 holsters, 50 cartridges, and 34 batteries);
• Approved a five-year contract with Motorola for body-worn cameras, in-squad cameras and interview room cameras, as well as maintenance, support, and cloud storage for the Sheriff’s Dept. The total for all devices, accessories, services and support is $1,250,000 to be paid over five years;
• Approved calls for bids to select 2026 county publication contracts. Proposals will be accepted by the Auditor-Treasurer until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 19.
