The Sherburne County Board this week held it first meeting of the New Year, and it’s first order of business was electing the 2026 officers.
The board voted for Commissioner Raeanne Danielowski as Chair and Commissioner Andrew Hulse as Vice Chair. They will also serve in those positions on the Regional Rail Authority and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
Bridge Replacement Plan
The board passed a resolution designating three projects within the five-year bridge replacement plan.
Bridge 71511 is located on Co. Rd. 16 west of Co. Rd. 20. Proposed construction is 2027, with a project cost of $1,947,000 and $766,000 in eligible state bridge funds.
Bridge 71508 is located on Co. Rd. 16 crossing Lily Creek. Proposed construction is 2029, with a project cost of $1,482,000 and $521,000 in eligible state bridge funds.
Bridge 71506 is located on Co. Rd. 11 crossing the Elk River. Proposed construction is 2029, with a project cost of $2,210,000 and $885,000 in eligible state bridge funds.
The county is anticipating receipt of the grant funds in order to undertake the proposed projects.
Property Acquisitions
The board approved a resolution authorizing acquisition of property for the Co. Rd. 80 Improvement Project between Co. Rd. 5 to Co. Rd. 3.
The board also approved a resolution authorizing acquisition of property for the Co. Rd. 94 Improvement Project between Co. Rd. 15 to Co. Rd. 32.
Both roads are in need of reconstruction in order to maintain the structural integrity of the road and to ensure safety for the public. The county is at a point in the process at which it can begin purchasing property, primarily easements, for the future construction of the improvements.
Vacate Road
The board approved a resolution to petition Palmer Twp. to vacate a portion of 104th Ave. in order to facilitate the construction and development of the Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park.
Because 104th Ave. is a township road, the county needs to formally request that the township vacate their interest in the road.
The board also approved a resolution to extinguish an existing access easement across county lands servicing the former Moorhouse property, now within Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park.
Park Improvements
The board approved a professional and technical services agreement with Natural Resource Services, Inc for habitat enhancement work in Two Inlets at Bdé Heháka – Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park and Island View Park. Natural Resources Services, Inc is able to conduct the work within the funding timeframe and project budget, for a total cost not to exceed $304,064, which will be refunded to the county through the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund.
2026 Publications
The board selected the 2026 newspaper publications for official county notifications. The Patriot will publish the delinquent tax list, financial statement and commissioner proceedings. The Elk River Star News will publish the alternate financial statement.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Authorized the Assistant Zoning Administrator to sign the MN Dept. of Agriculture’s 2026 County Agricultural Inspector Grant in the amount of $10,300 to cover county staffing costs in carrying out duties related to the State of Minnesota’s Noxious Weed Law;
• Accepted a $200 gift card from Resources Training and Solutions to supplement revenues for and cover miscellaneous costs incurred by County Administration/County Board;
• Approved a Gambling Premises Permit for Ducks Unlimited Wigeon Chapter #309 for a planned Feb. 7, 2026, event at the Getaway Bar in Orrock Twp.;
• Appointed the following individuals to the Waste Management Advisory Committee for 2026-2028: Louisa Tallman, representing Commissioner Dist, 2; Mark Rask, Alternate; Jason Belair, Alternate.
