June 17, 2025

The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Angle Outpost Resort, Angle Inlet, MN. 

Call To Order

Vice-Chair Joe Grund called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with the following members present: Commissioners: Cody Hasbargen, Joe Grund, and Ed Arnesen. Also present was County Auditor/Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Absent were Commissioner: Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel.

Approval of Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes: Add: Cigarette License, Emergency Services, Disk Mower, and OFRA Grant. Remove: IT Department.

Northerly Park 

Joe Laurin gave an update on the ongoing Northerly Park project.

Northwest Angle Edgeriders Update

Joe Laurin reviewed various trail projects.

Public Works

Updates

County Engineer Anthony Pirkl gave an update on various Highway and Solid Waste Projects.

OPERA Grant Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to approve the OPERA grant in the amount of $18,000.00 for an excavator attachment.

Disk Mower Purchase Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of two disk mowers from Titan for $25,496.00.

PUBLIC HEARING- RECONVENE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION – JUNE 17, 2025

Motion 

Motion was made by Cody Hasbargen seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the regular meeting and re-open the 2025 Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Northwest Angle with the following members present: Commissioners: Joe Grund, Cody Hasbargen, Ed Arnesen, and County Auditor-Treasurer Lorene Hanson. Also present were: County Assessor Alisa Jacaobsen and Appraiser Tyler Swanson. Absent were Commissioners: Buck Nordlof, and Jon Waibel. It was noted that County Recorder Sue Ney swore in the members of the Lake of the Woods County Board of Appeal and Equalization for 2025 at the meeting on June 10, 2025.

Vice-Chair Joe Grund explained the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization. He reminded the public that this meeting was only to hear appeals of the estimated market value (EMV) or classification, not for taxes or prior years’ assessments. He explained that all appeals would be heard before any action would be taken. He also explained that the valuation period the Assessor’s Office use is from sales during October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. There was no further discussion.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to close the public hearing and open the regular meeting

ACTION

After hearing all the appeals, questions, comments and research reviewed, the following actions were taken:

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to accept the Lake of the Woods County Assessor’s recommendations on the following properties and to make no changes to values per the attached recommendations: James Frohreich (P#19.29.43.000); Michael Huerd (P#22.16.43.010); Thomas Schlife (P#60.34.44.060); Betty Besser (P#44.06.32.000); Wade Rennemo (P#43.01.43.000).

Motion 

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Raymond & Amy Friesner property owner Myhre Township, Parcel ID 21.05.32.020, decrease in total land value from $26,400.00 to $26,200.00 due to the land value being too high.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Raymond & Amy Friesner property owner Myhre Township, Parcel ID 21.05.32.010, decrease in total land value from $21,700.00 to $3,700.00 due to the land value being too high.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Thomas & Debra Hanson property owner City of Baudette, Parcel ID 61.62.02.010, decrease in total land value from $81,400.00 to $31,500.00 due to the land value being too high.

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to decrease the value on the following property: Kevin Olson property owner City of Baudette, Parcel ID 61.50.38.070, decrease in total land value from $82,100.00 to $32,300.00 due to the land value being too high.

Amend Agenda

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to add set work session to the agenda.

Set Work Session

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Ed Arnesen, seconded by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen and carried unanimously to set a work session for land values on November 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Lobbyist Jerry Seck, Megan Knight, and Grady Harn, thanked the Commissioners for inviting them to the meeting and discussed various legislative items that included: Covid-19 Funds, Safe Boat, and Law Enforcement Center Bonding. They also reviewed the process for legislative action and how they help local communities by lobbying for their needs.

Emergency Services Response

Concerned citizen Emily Powassin (Myers) recounted an incident that took place regarding an emergency situation that required immediate response. She was able to transport the individual but was disappointed in the lack of communication and the ambulances’ refusal to cross the border to meet them. She stated that it took an hour and a half for the individual to reach the ambulance from the Northwest Angle for emergency care. Sheriff Gary Fish said he will look further into this matter and find out where the miscommunication took place and work with the board and responders for a resolution.

Auditor-Treasurer

Liquor License Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Liquor License application from Angler’s Retreat, LLC.

Cigarette License Approval

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously to approve the Cigarette License application from Angler’s Retreat, LLC.

Water Level Discussion

Mike Hirst joined by phone and reviewed water levels on Lake of the Woods.

Safe Boat Update

Sergeant Ben Duick gave an update that included: Safe Boat, County Buoy, and No Wake Zones.

911 Cell Phone Survey Discussion

The board reviewed the recent 911 cell phone survey.

Community Greenhouse

Paul Colson and the board discussed the possibility of a community greenhouse at the Northwest Angle. 

Adjourn

Motion

Motion was made by Commissioner Cody Hasbargen, seconded by Commissioner Ed Arnesen and carried unanimously by roll call to adjourn the meeting at 12:09 p.m. to be followed by the road tour.

Attest: July 8, 2025

______________________________ _________________________________

County Auditor/Treasurer, Lorene Hanson Vice-Chair Joe Grund