The Sherburne County Board met for the first time in 2025 Tuesday.
The first order of business was the oath of office for Commissioners Andrew Hulse (Dist. 1) and Brad Schumacher (Dist. 5). Both were elected in November. It is the first term for Schumacher, who takes over the position formerly held by Lisa Fobbe.
Before moving ahead with any agenda items, members of the board elected Commissioner Gary Gray as board chair and Commissioner Raeanne Danielowski as vice-chair. Both will also serve in those positions on the Regional Rail Authority (RRA) and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
Park Bonding
The board passed a resolution in support of a state bonding request for Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park. Senator Andrew Matthews has authored a bonding bill which would appropriate $2.5 million from bond proceeds for Phase 2 development of the park landscape. Representative Shane Mekeland is authoring a companion bill in the House.
The board also approved a professional services agreement with Damon Farber Associates, Inc for the design, engineering and construction administration services related to the Phase 1 park development at Two Inlets at Bdé Heḣáka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park.
The total contract cost of $244,183 is spread over fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and is included in the Parks Budget. The cost is covered under a grant of $1,985,875 in Legacy Funding through the Greater MN Regional Parks and Trails Commission.
Cannabis Agreement
The board approved a joint powers agreement with the City of Big Lake for the enforcement and regulation of Cannabis Retail Business Registration. Any fees or penalties collected for retail registration and enforcement will remain entirely with the county. The county will also retain any Local Government Cannabis Aid Account funds allocated to the county by the state.
Internet Access
The board approved an extension of the Arvig Elk River & Clear Lake/Haven Round #2 ARPA Broadband Access Grant Program agreements through Dec. 31, 2025. Arvig is seeking an extension to add drops to individual properties. The projects were expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Road Construction
The board accepted $700,000 in Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) Funds for the Co. Rd. 4 improvement project between 10th Street and Co. Rd. 45 in the City of Zimmerman.
The board passed a resolution for support in seeking $2.5 million in funds to convert the intersection of Hwy. 10 and Co. Rd. 11 into an interchange.
They also passed a resolution in support of sponsoring the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) for Co. Rd. 33 improvements from Hwy. 169 to Co. Rd. 13 in the City of Elk River. The proposed project includes construction of approximately 1.8 miles of road and pedestrian improvements on Co. Rd. 33 from Hwy. 169 to Co. Rd. 13.
The total estimated project cost is $7.5 million. The county had received $2.5 million in Freight Program Grand Funding and is eligible to receive an additional $2 million in grant funding to complete the project. That would leave a $3.5 million local match coming from a combination of Local Option Sales Tax and city funds.
Mental Health
The board accepted $64,161 in Children’s Mental Health Respite funds from the MN Dept. of Human Services for the period of Jan. 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Funds will be used to reduce family stress and/or decrease the likelihood of further out-of-home placement for youth with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED) and their families.
County Publications
The board awarded bids for the 2025 county publications. Elk River Star News will publish the delinquent tax list, commissioner proceedings and alternate financial statement. Patriot News will publish the county’s financial statement.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Accepted a $200 gift card from Resource Training and Solutions to county administration;
• Approved a Gambling Premises Permit for Minnesota Warriors Ice Hockey for a raffle, to be held at Mies Outland of St. Cloud in Haven Twp. on May 3, 2025.
