October 2026 Meeting minutes
draft
Lutsen Township Board Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2026
Lutsen Town Hall
Present: Carl Friesner, Chris Homyak, Dayna Johnson, Dale Sunstrom, Samantha Mcquatters-Spangle, Sharon Hexum-Platzer, Steve Duclos, Tim Lien, James Coleman
Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Vice Chairperson, C Friesner at 7:00 pm.
Approval of Agenda: C Homyak motioned to approve the agenda. Seconded by D Johnson. Motion passed.
Approval of September Meeting Minutes: C Homyak motioned to approve the updated minutes. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
Commissioner’s Report: (Ginny Storlie) N/A
Clerk’s Report: S. Mcquatters-Spangle Deputy Clerk: S. Hexum-Platzer
Correspondence: Correspondence: 5 New townhall rentals; 8 phone calls forwarded
Email correspondences: Seasonal Closure Information for Superior NF Campgrounds, DAWN Business Resource Summit & Pitch Competition, Sept 24, Cook County Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice October 14 (Lutsen property involved; BBC to supervisors), OSA Weekly Update, citizen requesting contact with building codes department; forwarded, DAWN Success Story: Timber Wagon Artisan Bites, Superior National Forest begin prescribed fires, Emerald Ash Borer in MN updates, City of Grand Marais Weekly Update, Minnesota Association of Townships newsletter, PERA webinar Guidance for Election Worker Pay and Upcoming Employer Education, SLFRF September 2026 Newsletter, Fire Department Survey; forwarded to fire chief, Fire State Aid and Police State Aid Update - 2026 Aid Amounts Posted, CTAS 2026 Update 3 Now Available in SAFES (will update after 3rd quarter taxes submitted), MnDOT projects in Cook County: cost participation spreadsheet; forwarded, Arrowhead Age-Friendly Exchange on October 28, 2026, Lutsen Township - Unmanned Aircraft Liability Policy Attached; forwarded, Como appt verified; forwarded to chairperson,
A. Liquor license renewal letters of support submitted to auditor
B. Fall Celebration info posted; helped with donations, Duluth pick up and hosting/clean up
C. Sharon; Fall celebration outreach with WTIP
D. Sharon; highway 61 safety concerns letters and outreach
E. 3rd quarter taxes
F. Meeting with state auditor CTAS on investments and corrections
G. EMS supplies ordered
H. Election judge information request for March local elections
Treasurer’s Report; Dale Sundstrom: As of September 30,2026;
C Homyak made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed
Review and Approval of Claims:
· Clerk S. Mcquatters-Spangle provided the invoiced October Claims totaling $17,679.26. Details including 3rd quarter taxes in the amount of 3,319.56 (this includes taxed times for fire fighting mutual aid), $622 in annual liability drone coverage, $8,925 for budgeted short term emergency shelter work at Lutsen Townhall.
· C Homyak made a motion to approve October claims. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
· Clerk provided October 2026 payroll; 7 claims totaling $2,921.58; C Friesner made a motion to approved payroll. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
· Claims approval and Payroll distributions were signed by Supervisors; copies are on file
in the town office.
· Cash Control for October 2026 presented and which matches with treasurer’s report
Fire and EMS Report:
· Chief Duclos reported 2 fire call and 16 EMS calls.
· 2 new members added to complete Fire 1 and 2 training over this winter season. This fills the rooster at 19 fire/EMS members for Lutsen township
· Training for this month included
o Annual physicals
o SCVA checks
o Pump upset cop
o Cardiac arrest training
o EV fire and hazmat training
· Pre-production review for newly order rescue truck in November
· Communication with emergency management about upgrading short term emergency shelters to include evacuation for wildfire smoke and that might consist of.
· Lutsen resort property fire hydrant is still disabled but is currently undergoing review on how to fix with the responsible parties. There are currently two other fire hydrants located in Lutsen; one at the golf course and one at the top of the ski hill which is connected to a smaller pond located on top of one of the mountains.
Supervisors’ Reports
C Friesner:
o Emptied garbage at dog park
o Talked with plumbers about short term shelter set up
o Hosted Lutsen Fall Celebration
D Johnson:
o Communicated with citizens about current township issues including highway dangers in Lutsen
o Talked with WTIP
o Hosted Lutsen Fall Celebration
o Donations and media outreach for Fall Celebration
C Homyak:
o Gitchi Gami trail association meetings; talked with citizens, DNR and MN DOT and culvert project with plans happening in 2028.
o Supervisor Homyak will be running for county commissioner; if elected he would need to resign at the December 2026 meeting from the Lutsen township board.
o Hosted Lutsen Fall Celebration
o Drone liability insurance finalized
Old Business:
· Lutsen Township Short Term Emergency Shelter: Both hawt dog heaters are installed. It was advised to have supervisor carl look at the propane lines as they are not set up to access the generator. Review of event situations and how each event is handled; basic logistics to be reviewed. Advised to review if outside pipes need to be capped. Additionally, communication with Emergency management on adding an evacuation plan for residents effected by wildfire smoke. Supervisor Friesner also worked with Thompson Gas on propane line installation and fill. Supervisor Friesner will work on logistics needed for running the short-term shelter when called for, purchase of totes for blanket storage and phone charging stations for emergencies.
· Grandview Park Pavillion: Plan of action to repair damage to the pavilion legs by replacing posts and then raise the posts by 6 to 7 inches on concrete so the wood does not sit in water during spring. Supervisor Friesner will reach out to a few companies to inquire about possible bidding and plan of action
· Fall Celebration: Attendance of 32 local resident gathered for a potluck; Dana Johnson won the best dish award. Thank you to those that helped set up the event; Rae Phiepho and Meradith, the decorations and flowers were beautiful; Thank you Clearview and supervisor Homyak for donating brats, hotdogs, apple cider, pop and water to this event! Lutsen township also received multiple door prize awards to be handed to attending citizens and all donations we given to Lutsen fire/EMS!
Thank you:
Arrowhead Electric Solbakken Resort
Caribou Highlands East Bay Resorts
Isak Hansen North Shore Winery
Lutsen Ski hill shop Dana Johnson
Sharon Hexum-Platzer North Shore Federal Credit Union
Johnson and Johnson Foods Lawn Bowling and Popcorn
Superior Golf Course
· Bulletin board: Supervisors will review options and cost-effective designs as a great number of citizen use the dog park/ball park daily and would be a much better outreach and updating the community on township events.
· Gitchi Gami Trail extension: IRRRB pass through money have been secured and Sharon has been working on the process required to access and use of the $550,000 grant money when requested by DNR when construction begins; addition information is needed from DNR and MN DOT is still currently on going with changing designs and addition factors. Lutsen township will be contact will any updated details as they are done.
· Grant opportunities: Sharon Hexum-Platzer will be helping the fire crew to look into grant opportunities for help supplement additional funding to the newly ordered rescue truck over the next year along with the current loan awarded.
· Drone update; grants, fundings and outreach:(Sharon Hexum-Platzer)
o Two additional grants to be applied to over the next month including the Gary Sinise Foundation
o Waiting to hear back on additional grant opportunities
o Outreach Arrowhead board has not yet met but Sharon will continue to check in until we hear back
Anyone wishing to donate to this life saving device, please write your check to Lutsen Township and put “drone” in the memo line. Mail to P.O. Box 151 Lutsen, MN 55612
· Highway 61 letter of support; Due to an ongoing highway safety issue and a recent increase in vehicle accidents or near accidents between Grandview Park and Issak Hansen it has been discussed by supervisors and citizens to draft a letter to MN Dot and the highway department to strategize a fix to this problem. Suggestions ranging from painting a double yellow do not pass in this area to moving the slow speed signs from their current locations to cover from Alta Mikana all the way to Caribou trail. Over the last month Sharon Hexum-Platzer has written out requests and reviews to locals and local businesses to review this issue and if agreed on submit a letter of support to the township that can be submitted in mass to the correct departments. At the moment more than 18 letters have been submitted by effected business owners and citizens in the Lutsen area with more currently being written.
After all letters are collected Sharon will create a cover letter which now include the accident rate and speeding tickets from this area from both the highway department and sheriff’s department for a better overview for MN Dot.
If you feel you effected by the speeding rates and accident rate on highway 61 in the Lutsen area please email Lutsentownship@gmail.com with your concerns or questions on this topic.
· West end road speed sign: The Lutsen west end road speed sign has been inoperative for the last few months and after speaking to a tech consultant it was advise to replace. Given a few options the board has decided to go with the cheaper $500 solar sign to replace all the internal parts for a trial run through the winter. C Friesner made a motion to move forward with consulting Sundew Tech in purchasing a new speed sign to replace the nonfunctioning sign located next to Arrowhead Electric. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
New Business:
A. Liquor license renewal letter of support for on-sale liquor from Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, Summit Cafeteria, Rosie’s Café and Lofty Gondola; Supervisor Friesner made a motion to writing a letter of support; D Johnson seconded. Motion passed. Clerk will write a letter of support and submit to auditor.
B. Liquor license letter of support for Lutsen liquor store LLC off sale intoxicating liquor license; Supervisor Friesner made a motion to writing a letter of support; C Homyak seconded. Motion passed.
C. Sanding Bid; one sanding bid was submitted by Superior properties in the same amount for the previous year along with an offer to volunteer hours to plow the Lutsen bike bath at no cost to the township. Supervisor Friesner made a motion to accept the bid; C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
D. Robbie Haus email: Currently this is a solely an informational update on a possible cost sharing with MNdot from the Cook County highway department on projects, updates and repairs that would become a fiscal responsibility for the township and taxpayers with how truck highways are now updated and maintained which highway 61 is considered a trunk highway. Supervisor Homyak will contact the highway department and update on this if it becomes a reality as it is currently only in the “talks” phase. Currently no highway projects are slated for Lutsen through 2030 (Gitchi Gami trail culvert project is not considered a highway project)
E. Supervisor appointments; Currently supervisor Homyak is running for Cook County commissioner and if elected will resign from his supervisor duties at the December 2026 meeting. In align with Minnesota Township rules if a supervisor resigns a qualified candidate may be appointed by the remaining supervisors to cover the remainder of the term and then run at the next local election. At the moment James Coleman is a current possibility as a Lutsen resident, former fire chief and attendance at many of the township meetings and knowledge of the current issues.
F. Supervisor Computer; Lutsen township currently has an older laptop no longer in daily use that can be offered to supervisors to aid in maintaining job duties. Supervisor Friesner made a motion to approve updating, wiping and use of the older laptop for supervisor duties; C Homyak seconded with the caveat that is can be updated and formatted. Motion passed.
Donations: Thomas Kindler, Donald and Joyce Elvestrom, Birch Cottage (Carl and Jeanna Lojovich) Thank you!
Citizen Comments: Thank you EMS crew for your quick and professional responses to emergencies at all hours on behalf of Lutsen citizens, it is truly life saving and appreciated.
Adjournment: C Friesner motioned to adjourn Seconded by C Homyak. Motion passed; Board adjourned at 8:05pm
Respectfully Submitted, S Mcquatters-Spangle; Deputy Clerk Carl Friesner; Chairperson
September Meeting MInutes
draft
Lutsen Township Board Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Lutsen Town Hall
Present: Carl Friesner, Chris Homyak, Dayna Johnson, Dale Sunstrom, Ginny Storlie, Samantha Mcquatters-Spangle, Sharon Hexum-Platzer, Steve Duclos, Tim Lien
Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Vice Chairperson, C Homyak at 7:00 pm.
Approval of Agenda: C Homyak motioned to approve the agenda. Seconded by D Johnson. Motion passed.
Approval of August Meeting Minutes: C Homyak motioned to approve the updated minutes. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
Commissioner’s Report: (Ginny Storlie)
· Cook County’s new emergency manager was elected; Ruth Vogel congratulations!
· County has taken over maintenance part of highway ball club county road 27 all the way to Sawbill; Onion River Road maintenance will also be taken over by the county.
· Commissioner Storlie attended the IRRRB social gathering celebrating their 85-year anniversary; their grants and help with county all over norther MN have made a bit impact and improvements.
· Cook County putting next year’s budget together; after meeting with all the department heads and cutting most things down to bare bones. Levy will be set on September 22, 20227 at 11% or 12% with finalization happening in December.
· Association of Minnesota counties starting the week of September 14, 2027 will be meeting in Bemidji MN. Each representative taking a lead on a specific committee through the week.
· Grand Marais having their fly in breakfast starting at 8am September 20, 2027
· Gitchi Gami trail holding an annual in Schroader MN at 10am on September 20, 2027; public is encouraged to attend!
· Heritage Center in Schroader having their annual meeting this weekend as well.
Request by citizen to Commissioner Storlie to have the commissioners hold a public input about Cook County roads including highway 61 as there are concerning issues that have come forward lately. Commissioner Storlie agreed and will talk with Robbie about setting up a public comment time as there are more people that have come forward with the same issue.
Clerk’s Report: S. Mcquatters-Spangle Deputy Clerk: S. Hexum-Platzer
Correspondence: Correspondence: 4 New townhall rental, 6 calls forwarded, email correspondences: Talked with Rebecca and attorney Gilchrist to finalize last payment not yet deposited. Northspan: DAWN Business Resource Summit & Pitch Competition, City of Grand Marais Weekly Update, cluster fly application, Minnesota Association of Townships newsletter, Thompson Gas: Federal Safety Notification, Two Additional BWCAW will Reopen August 25 for Visitors, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation newsletter, Public Hearing Notice - Cook County Planning Commission; forwarded, Minnesota Office of the State Auditor newsletter including new training videos, MAT District 10 Meeting Notice; forwarded, Superior NF Lifts Fire Restrictions forest-wide including BWCAW, September 11 half-staff alert; forwarded, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation newsletter, Staff Safety Training - CPR, Lifeguard & Water Safety Swim Instructor Programs; forwarded, CCHE September Events Newsletter, Invitation & RSVP: Cook County + University of Minnesota ESMC Site Visit; forwarded,
A. NSFCU new credit card set up/received by fire chief
B. Application process started to move to .gov website and email
C. Additional claim approved and processed
D. Park outhouse unlocked 2 times per requests
E. Plowing and Sanding bids posted
F. Cont. annual meeting minutes/posted along with budget and levy
G. SAMS registration UEI verification
H. Request from citizens to change locking system at Grand View Park as it keeps getting locked with no one inside. C Friesner will be notified
Treasurer’s Report; Dale Sundstrom: As of August 31,2026;
North Shore Federal Credit Union-Checking $302,643.68; General Building Fund-savings $22,596.54, General Building Fund-Share Secured VISA- $10,000.88; General Money Market $87,116.65 totaling $422,357.75;
CD investments;
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State bank-$111,248.58 at 3.75%
Matures 5/2/27
Fire truck fund
o 24 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $10,249.18 at 4.0%
Matures 10/22/27
(Vehicle Refurbish/Manit)
o 24 Month CD at Grand Marais State Banke- $10,249.18 at 4.0%
Matures 10/22/27
(Equipment Replacement)
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $35,813.15 at 3.15%
Matures 7/27/27
Building fund
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $102,323.29 at 3.75%
Matures 7/27/27
General/Fire fund
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $115,438.71 at 3.75%
Matures 7/27/27
Truck Fund
o 13 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $105,074.59
Matures 4/27/27
Truck Fund
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank - $204,334.00 at 3.75%
Matures 5/29/27
Truck Loan Funds
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank - $39,000.00 at 3.75%
Matures 5/29/27
Drone Funds
Total funds including CD investments $733,730.68
(This includes the truck loan of $204,334)
Year to Date Receipts $349,254.43; Year to Date Disbursements $186.717.23.
2026 General town Budget $63,200.00, 2026 Fire District Budget $290,395.00 for a total budget of $353,595.00.
2026 General town Levy $40,000.00, 2026 Fire District Levy $275,000.00 for a total 2026 Levy of $315,000.00.
C Homyak made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed
Review and Approval of Claims:
· Clerk S. Mcquatters-Spangle provided the invoiced September Claims totaling $10,731.33. Details including fixing the small sink hole near in the townhall parking lot; KTM for $3,322.46 and Mike Rose $2,100 and completion of the electrical work at the townhall for the short-term emergency shelter $2,540
· D Johnson made a motion to approve September claims. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed.
· Clerk provided September 2026 payroll; 21 claims totaling $13,970.65; this includes 3rd quarter Fire/EMS payroll as well as the additional approved firefighting hour helping with mutual aid at bear creek fire and camp fire.
C Homyak made a motion to approved payroll. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed
· Claims approval and Payroll distributions were signed by Supervisors; copies are on file
in the town office.
· Cash Control for September 2026 presented and which matches with treasurer’s report
Fire and EMS Report:
· Chief Duclos reported 2 fire call and 3 EMS calls.
· Lutsen volunteer fire incorporated in 1952 will be 75 years old next year! Thank you crew
· Training for this month included
o Pre planning Cathedral of the Pines and outbuildings for training next month
o Prepping for a big pump up
o Drone training
o 2 meetings; fire hall cleaning
o Contacted representee about the broken hydrant and fix
o Tender truck issue has a broken check valve and engine truck break issue; have not heard back from Kirvida after an extended period of time. Fire chief might be contacting Heiman to look at the issues instead.
Lutsen Fire
Pancake breakfast September 20, 2027
8am-11am
Lutsen Townhall
· Lutsen fire department presented drone demos as the west end emergency fair and have received a donation back split three ways between the west end townships.
· Fire crew has talked about using the wildland mutual aid reimbursements not currently allocated could be put towards drone contract payments. D Johnson made a motion to allocate excess funds left over form mutual fire reimbursement for aid to go to future drone costs. C Friesner seconded. Motion passed.
· Previously retired fire fighter has rejoined the Lutsen Fire Department bringing the number to 17 Fire personnel. Lutsen fire has enough lockers to fit 19 total; anyone wanting to apply as a volunteer please message Lutsenfire@gmail.com and get a hold of fire chief Duclos.
Supervisors’ Reports
C Friesner:
o Emptied garbage at dog park
o Talked with plumbers about short term shelter set up
D Johnson:
o Communicated with citizens about current township issues including highway dangers in Lutsen
o Talked with WTIP
C Homyak:
o Gitchi Gami trail association meetings; talked with citizens, DNR and MN DOT
Annual meeting this Saturday September 19, 2027 at 11am; elections to be held
Public encouraged to attended earlier at 9:30 for public input and discussion
o Found insurance for drone operations; contracts to be signed in September 2027
o Supervisor Homyak will be running for county commissioner; if elected he would need to resign at the December 2026 meeting from the Lutsen township board.
Old Business:
· Lutsen Township Short Term Emergency Shelter: Both hawt dog heaters are installed. It was advised to have supervisor carl look at the propane lines as they are not set up to access the generator. Review of event situations and how each event is handled; basic logistics to be reviewed. Advised to review if outside pipes need to be capped.
· Grandview Park Pavillion: Reached out to Boreal Enterprises to inspects and submit a quote and plan of action to repair damage to the pavilion legs by replacing posts and then raise the posts by 6 to 7 inches on concrete so the wood does not sit in water during spring.
· Bulletin board: Supervisors will review options and cost-effective designs as a great number of citizen use the dog park/ball park daily and would be a much better outreach and updating the community on township events.
· Gitchi Gami Trail extension: IRRRB pass through money have been secured and Sharon has been working on the process required to access and use of the $550,000 grant money when requested by DNR when construction begins; addition information is needed from DNR and MN DOT is still currently on going with changing designs and addition factors. Lutsen township will be contact will any updated details as they are done.
· Drone update; grants, fundings and outreach:(Sharon Hexum-Platzer)
o Two additional grants to be applied to over the next month including the Gary Sinise Foundation
o Waiting to hear back on additional grant opportunities
o Outreach Arrowhead board has not yet met but Sharon will continue to check in until we hear back
Anyone wishing to donate to this life saving device, please write your check to Lutsen Township and put “drone” in the memo line. Mail to P.O. Box 151 Lutsen, MN 55612
· Highway 61 letter of support; Due to an ongoing highway safety issue and a recent increase in vehicle accidents or near accidents between Grandview Park and Issak Hansen it has been discussed by supervisors and citizens to draft a letter to MN Dot and the highway department to strategize a fix to this problem. Suggestions ranging from painting a double yellow do not pass in this area to moving the slow speed signs from their current locations to cover from Alta Mikana all the way to Caribou trail. Over the last month Sharon Hexum-Platzer has written out requests and reviews to locals and local businesses to review this issue and if agreed on submit a letter of support to the township that can be submitted in mass to the correct departments. At the moment 12 letters have been submitted by effected business owners and citizens in the Lutsen area with more currently being written.
After all letters are collected Sharon will create a cover letter which will include the inquired accident rate and speeding rates in this area from both the highway department and sheriff’s department for a better overview for MN Dot.
If you feel you effected by the speeding rates and accident rate on highway 61 in the Lutsen area please email Lutsentownship@gmail.com with your concerns or questions on this topic.
· West end road speed sign: The Lutsen west end road speed sign has been inoperative for the last few months and after speaking to a tech consultant it was advise to replace. Given a few options the board has decided to go with the cheaper $500 solar sign to replace all the internal parts for a trial run through the winter. C Friesner made a motion to move forward with consulting Sundew Tech in purchasing a new speed sign to replace the nonfunctioning sign located next to Arrowhead Electric. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
· Fall Celebration: After deliberating duties and public input on better outreach it has been decided; supervisor Johnson will take charge with requesting donations. Supervisor Friesner will take lead on decorations and come early on the date of the event to help cook. Supervisor Homyak will be donating hotdogs, brats, apple cider and come early on the date of the event to help cook. Sharon Hexum-Platzer will take charge in public outreach including visit Cook County and poster creation.
Lutsen Fall Celebration
October 17, 2026 from 1pm-4pm
Lutsen Townhall
Potluck style event
(best dish award will be featured on our website)
New Business:
· Letters of support request:
o Superior National Golf Course Holdings LLC dba Superior National Lutsen for on sale liquor license including Sunday sales
Supervisor Freisner made a motion to support writing a letter of support, D Johonson seconded. Motion passed.
Donations for the Drone: Township of Schroeder, Township of Schroeder (donation form the emergency preparedness fair), 3AM properties LLC, David and Kara Walter, Anita Kay Smith, Nancy Morre/Alean Steigelman; Supervisor Freisner made a motion to accept the donations, C Homyak seconded. Motion passed. Thank you for your donations
Citizen Comments: None
Adjournment: C Friesner motioned to adjourn Seconded by C Homyak. Motion passed; Board adjourned at 8:30pm
Respectfully Submitted, S Mcquatters-Spangle; Deputy Clerk Carl Friesner; Chairperson
August Regular Meeting Minutes
draft
Lutsen Township Board Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2026
Lutsen Town Hall
Present: Carl Friesner, Chris Homyak, Dayna Johnson, Dale Sunstrom, Ginny Storlie, Samantha Mcquatters-Spangle, Sharon Hexum-Platzer, Steve Duclos, Tim Lien, Brad Sillman, Rae Piepho, Harold Piepho
Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Chairperson, C Friesner at 7:00 pm.
Approval of Agenda: C Friesner motioned to approve the agenda. Seconded by C Homyak. Motion passed.
Approval of July Meeting Minutes: C Friesner motioned to approve the updated minutes. C Homyk seconded. Motion passed.
Commissioner’s Report: (Ginny Storlie)
· Commissioners met with businesses up the Gunflint trail to review lost revenue and closures during the fire crisis during the 2026 summer. Some of the businesses were closed for 3 to 4 weeks; now that everyone is up and running trying to catch back up the commissioners are looking for a way through state legislator once it opens up.
Commissioner Storlie will be attending the Arrowhead regional development on Thursday August 20, 2026 in Duluth and see if any funds can be used to help through the CARES program. Visit Cook County has also been a great help in developing a QR code so others can offer support.
· Emergency Manager position has been open with six people submitting resumes and undergoing interviews. One offer made to one applicant and waiting to hear if they have accepted.
· West End Emergency Preparedness Fair took place on Saturday. Very well organized with great reviews on the multiple presentations including from the red cross and cybersecurity.
· Hovland celebrated their 50th anniversary of the fire department. Thank you for your services!
· Honeymoon Trail tower is set to be replaced (1/17 towers in Cook County).
· Commissioners will start discussions on next years budgeting, first meeting will be September 14, 2026. Three major categories up for discussion will be
o 1. Things that are mandated and unable to be negotiated
o 2. Core partners like city, library and YMCA
o 3. Non mandated requested summitted
Presentations have been given by all department heads including highway department and attorneys on budgeting, requests and cuts. Preliminary levy will be set by September 29, 2026 and finalized at the end of December. Levy once preliminary is set cannot be risen but can be lowered so it will always be set higher with the goal to lower it.
Citizen Questions:
o When looking at budgeting and reports from department heads are you looking for things that can be deducted and cut?
Commissioner Storlie: When meeting with the department heads and budgeting we go over what the bottom lines are and what can be negotiated down.
o Is the county doing anything about short term rentals? Duluth recently put a cap or stop new short-term rentals, has any action plan been put into place for Cook County will the excess numbers of short-term rentals currently in Cook County?
Commissioner Storlie: I have to look into the legalities of doing a moratorium and review with Mayor Reiner and the one currently heading short term rentals in Cook County Andrew Beavers. Longer term solution will be brining something to the legislature if there is enough support. Currently west end has a cap of 365 short term rental licenses and 600 for over all Cook County with the most expensive permitting in the state at $600 a license however that seem to do little to dissuade new license requests.
Clerk’s Report: S. Mcquatters-Spangle Deputy Clerk: S. Hexum-Platzer
Correspondence: Correspondence: 1 New townhall rental, 14 calls forwarded, email correspondences: worked with news, media and public health for the July fire update at townhall meeting along with multiple citizen responses. Superior NF Update on Limited Access to the BWCAW; forwarded. Access Proposal for BWCAW–Phase 2; forwarded. OSA Weekly Update. Notification: Board of Adjustment - 29 Jul 2026; reviewed and no Lutsen residences applied. Invitation: MAT District 10 Meeting Notice; forwarded. Emergency Preparedness Fair; updates. Superior NF Issues Wildfire Emergency Closure for Affected Recreation Sites. Partial Reopening of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; forwarded. AAAA Newsletter, August Update. Superior National Forest Lifts Campfire Restrictions on Developed Recreation Sites; forwarded. CTAS 2026 Update 2 Now Available in SAFES; waiting until after annual meeting to update. Additional Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Entry Points to Reopen; forwarded. Town Aid Certification Update. MN Rural Capacity Program Newsletter. Revised Drone Insurance Quote; forwarded. City of Grand Marais Weekly Update. Local Emergency Preparedness Committee Bi-Monthly Meeting with link; forwarded. Staff Safety Training - CPR, Lifeguard & Water Safety Swim Instructor Programs; forwarded. Superior NF Reopens over 1,500 BWCAW Campsites; forwarded. Important Updates to 2027 Exclusion Report Codes + Employer Education. Remittance Advice Notification; forwarded.
A. Annual meeting notices posted
B. CTAS updates with treasurer
C. EMS/Fire orders
D. Fire training reimbursement filed
E. Heiman account created for fire/ordered parts; tax exempt
F. Sharon continued work on IRRRB app for Gitchi Gami Trail
o The grant that releases money through the IRRRB for the trail extension for Lutsen Township to disburse has multiple steps. One being a detailed format of project timelines, amounts, detailed mock up of the project all being questions between DNR and MN DOT that are currently held up as the design is changing when factoring in newly impacted land owners and updated surveying. Once a design idea and budgeting for each item is approved by both departments the grant information can be finalized. Current deadline is set for 2028.
o Resolution has already been signed by the township in preparations to accept the grant money as a pass-through for the projects.
o Culvert replacement is due to be designed and worked on between Arrowhead electric and Steam Engine Road in Lutsen before the Gitchi Gami bike trail is designed and set.
G. CD’s updated
H. Lutsen Township Plowing and Sanding bids to be put in paper and posted with submission date set for October 16, 2026 and to be reviewed by supervisors for the October meeting.
I. Reviewed grant opportunities through MAT; one new EMS grant to be looked at.
J. NSFCU new credit card ordered
o Bank has requested that any check, mainly donations be written out to Lutsen Township as that is the name on the account instead of Lutsen Fire Department which is a department under the township and could cause an issue as many of the donations are written directly out to Lutsen Fire Department. Supervisor Homyak advised talking with Grand Marais State Bank about their policies and potentially using the checking account there to deposit donations designed Fire Department. Treasurer Sundstrom will correspond with the bank to find a solution.
K. Sharon attended the West End Emergency Preparedness Fair and was able to network with Jane Hyde would after talking with fire departments and other citizens organized and designed stickers for citizens with pets to inform emergency crews how one many and what type during emergencies to be donated by Jane. They will be done at the end of August and Sharon can distribute at different public events and shared with other fire departments.
Treasurer’s Report; Dale Sundstrom: As of July 31,2026;
North Shore Federal Credit Union-Checking $303,493.71; General Building Fund-savings $22,594.62, General Building Fund-Share Secured VISA- $10,000.03; General Money Market $87,027.95 totaling $423,116.31;
CD investments;
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State bank-$111,248.58 at 3.75%
Matures 5/2/27
Fire truck fund
o 24 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $10,249.18 at 4.0%
Matures 10/22/27
(Vehicle Refurbish/Manit)
o 24 Month CD at Grand Marais State Banke- $10,249.18 at 4.0%
Matures 10/22/27
(Equipment Replacement)
o 7 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $35,000 at 4.0%
Matures 8/27/26
Building fund
o 7 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $100,000 at 4.0%
Matures 8/27/26
General/Fire fund
o 7 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $112,817.63 at 4.0%
Matures 8/27/26
Truck Fund
o 13 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $105,074.59
Matures 4/27/27
Truck Fund
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank - $204,334.00 at 3.75%
Matures 5/29/29
Truck Loan Funds
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank - $39,000.00 at 3.75%
Matures 5/29/27
Drone Funds
Total funds including CD investments $1,151,089.47
(This includes the truck loan of $204,334)
Year to Date Receipts $303,370.35; Year to Date Disbursements $149,272.53.
2026 General town Budget $63,200.00, 2026 Fire District Budget $290,395.00 for a total budget of $353,595.00.
2026 General town Levy $40,000.00, 2026 Fire District Levy $275,000.00 for a total 2026 Levy of $315,000.00.
C Friesner made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
Three of the CD’s at Grand Marais State Bank are maturing at the end of August; would the board like to find a new CD’s invest the funds into? Supervisor Freisner made a motion to reinvest the three maturing CD’s into new CD’s at the highest percent between 7 to 18 months. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed.
Fire and General budget put the township at 58% through the year with spending at 56.6% of the budgeted amount. Most everything is tracking right on budget besides Grandview Park cost set higher due to multiple downed spruce trees.
Review and Approval of Claims:
· Clerk S. Mcquatters-Spangle provided the invoiced August Claims totaling $28,060.27. Details including building loan payment (currently set with less then 5 years left), mowing services for both the park and ball field over the summer, electric bill and reimbursement to fire crew for fuel at Ely camp fire.
· C Friesner made a motion to approve August claims. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed.
· Clerk provided August 2026 payroll; 3 claims totaling $2,048.25
C Friesner made a motion to approved payroll. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
· Claims approval and Payroll distributions were signed by Supervisors; copies are on file
in the town office.
· Cash Control for August 2026 presented and which matches with treasurer’s report
Fire and EMS Report:
· Chief Duclos reported 3 fire call and 2 EMS calls.
· Training for this month included
o Airways
o IV’s
o Pump up’s on the trucks
o Hydrants
o Air pack testing
o Drone training
o Rope launcher training
o Wildland evacuation reviews
· Lutsen resort hydrant is broken again; contacts have already taken charge in working with the company on fixing before it becomes a legal and safety issue.
· Attended emergency management interviews for Cook County as a fire chief and submitted recommendations to the commissioners.
· Lutsen fire department presented drone demos as the west end emergency fair
· Mutual aid at the Ely camp fire; first week included 4 full days 24 hours shifts; second week 4-day shifts
· Chute on tender broke and was able to have a new one overnighted; this part is what allows to water to come out of the back of the tender; the fire department will be reimbursed for this part by the state.
· Fire/EMS office needs to be treated for ants as soon as possible; request approved to buy multiple ant traps from the hardware store.
· Previously retired fire fighter has rejoined the Lutsen Fire Department bringing the number to 17 Fire personnel. Lutsen fire has enough lockers to fit 19 total; anyone wanting to apply as a volunteer please message Lutsenfire@gmail.com and get a hold of fire chief Duclos.
Supervisors’ Reports
C Friesner:
o Emptied garbage at dog park
o Talked with plumbers about short term shelter set up
o Next year Lutsen fire department will mark the 75th anniversary; Thank you for your services!
D Johnson:
o worked with the West End Emergency Preparedness for the fair set up; great presentations!
o Talked with WTIP
C Homyak:
o Gitchi Gami trail meetings; talked with citizens, DNR and MN DOT
o Found insurance for drone operations
o Attended meeting at Hungry Jack for businesses effected by the summer fires
o Attended Ely camp fires as a fire fighter, Thank you for your service!
Old Business:
· Lutsen Township Short Term Emergency Shelter: Both hawt dog heaters are installed and Hank will finish utility installation when time allows in August of this year. It was advised to have supervisor carl look at the propane lines as they are not set up to access the generator. Review of event situations and how each event is handled; basic logistics to be reviewed. Clerk will be donating 20 blankets and pillows for the short-term shelter and Supervisor Johnson will take charge in storage logistics; possibly look into buying some totes and wrap in pallet plastic for longer term storage.
· Grandview Park Pavillion: Reached out to Boreal Enterprises to inspects and submit a quote and plan of action to repair damage to the pavilion legs by replacing posts and then raise the posts by 6 to 7 inches on concrete so the wood does not sit in water during spring.
· Bulletin board: Supervisors will review options and cost-effective designs as a great number of citizen use the dog park/ball park daily and would be a much better outreach and updating the community on township events.
· Gitchi Gami Trail extension: IRRRB pass through money have been secured and Sharon has been working on the process required to access and use of the $550,000 grant money when requested by DNR when construction begins; addition information is needed from DNR and MN DOT is still currently on going with changing designs and addition factors. Lutsen township will be contact will any updated details as they are done.
· Drone update; grants, fundings and outreach:
o (Sharon Hexum-Platzer) Township did not receive the State farm grant but still waiting to hear back from operation round up grants at the end of August 2026. Additional grant opportunities sent to Sharon who will continue to research and apply.
o Supervisor Homyak found aviation insurance liability for the drone as warranty covers damaged parts with bumper-to-bumper coverage already; liability with be through Musty Barnhart for $622 annually. This will cover 1 million for personal injury, 1 million for liability and $5000 for medical. Supervisor Homyak made a motion to go through with purchasing this policy; main contact name will be Fire chief Duclos as the pilots are already listed on the policy. C Friesner seconded. Motion passed.
Anyone wishing to donate to this life saving device, please write your check to Lutsen Township and put “drone” in the memo line. Mail to P.O. Box 151 Lutsen, MN 55612
New Business:
· Letters of support request:
o Renewal of liquor license for MGT holding LLC dba Moguls Grill & Tap room
o Renewal of 3.2 off sale license for Lockport Marketplace & Grill
o Renewal of liquor license for Clearview General Store
Supervisor Freisner made a motion to support writing a letter of support, D Johonson seconded. (Supervisor Homyak abstained from voting for Clearview General Store). Motion passed.
· Fall celebrations: Supervisors agreed to October 17, 2026 from 1-4pm and to have a similar pot luck style celebration like last year long with door prizes donated from local businesses. Supervisor Johnson will take charge of media outreach (advised to reach out to visit cook county), Supervisor Freisner will take charge of donations and decorations. Any proceeds from donation to go to Lutsen fire department.
Fall Celebration
October 17, 2026 1-4pm
Lutsen Townhall
Potluck and door prizes and donation proceeds going to Lutsen fire department
· Request to fix townhall parking issues:
o The three lines nearest the townhall door have become an issue with weekly rentals and parking and have them blacked out.
o A hole has shown up on the side of the townhall parking and a cone has been placed over it; Mike Rose was able to dig up the area and found that the previous old school house foundation was used as back fill and had shifted underground, the area was fixed and filled.
· Pancake breakfast hosted by Lutsen Fire Department:
September 20, 20226
8-11am
· Letter to MN DOT: Citizens has come forward at the continued annual meeting about accidents or many near accidents on highway 61 between Issak Hansens and the Grandview park with cars trying to pass when people are turning into driveways, parks and businesses. Request to have to have solid no pass line put on the highway. Additional concern over passing cars and accidents in front of Arrowhead electric before the speed limit reduces to 40 miles per hour and requesting this letter to additionally request to have to slow speed designated area to be pushed to Alta Mikana and maintaining 40 miles per hour until Caribou trail. Increased traffic in the recent years has caused great concert over this area from multiple citizens and accidents. Sharon Hexum-Platzer will take lead in writing a letter to MN DOT with additional outreach to county administrator and Robbie Haas to seek support; possibly try reaching out to businesses effected in the area for support as well.
· West end Lutsen speed sign has connectivity issues but the manufacture is no longer in business. Supervisor Freisner will take lead in talking with Sundew tech and advised course of action in remedying this issue.
Donations for the Drone: Tait Lake Association, Rollan and Berit Talan; Supervisor Freisner made a motion to accept the donations, C Homyak seconded. Motion passed. Thank you for your donations
Citizen Comments: None
Adjournment: C Friesner motioned to adjourn Seconded by C Homyak. Motion passed; Board adjourned at 8:34pm
Respectfully Submitted, S Mcquatters-Spangle; Deputy Clerk Carl Friesner; Chairperson
Continued Annual meeting 2026
draft (only continue meeting minutes) Continued minutes PDF link
Lutsen Township
Continued Annual Meeting Minutes
August 18, 2026
Lutsen Townhall
Present: Samantha Mcquatters-Spangle, Dale Sundstrom, Sharon Hexum-Platzer, Dayna Johnson, Chris Homyak, Carl Friesner, Tim Lein, Steve Duclos, Brad Sillman
Call Meeting to Order: Clerk called to order the continue annual meeting at 6pm
Nomination From the Floor for Meeting Moderator: C Homyak nominated Sharon Hexum-Platzer as meeting moderator, D Johnson seconded that motion, no objections. Motion passed.
Pledge of Allegiance: All present pledged allegiance to the American flag
Setting of Agenda(Moderator): Advised to add on
#5B. Playground grant opportunity for Lutsen
#5C. Highway 61 construction meeting update.
#5D. No passing zone between Issak Hansen and Grandview Park; letter written to authority who would be able to create a no passing zone.
#5E. Pavillion funding
C Homyak made a motion to approve to the amended agenda, D Johnson seconded. Motion passed
Other town business:
Short Term Emergency Shelter Update: Furnaces all installed and piped in, forced air units are all installed and working along with the generator. Waiting to install the piping for the propane tank. Clerk has offered donation of 20 blankets and pillows and will bring them onsite as storage become available. Logistics of storage to be discussed with supervisors at a later meeting.
Playground grant opportunity for Lutsen Township: Gametime company offered a matching 50/50 playground grant and reached out to Lutsen Township; previously it was discussed updating and placing new playground equipment at the ball park with how busy T-ball and parent pitch season gets however a new playground even a smaller unit averages 20-30 thousand dollars. I was suggested to have the supervisors look through the Gametime catalogue for individual pieces instead to add to the play area as many of the residents like have the large metal slide currently there. The catalogue will be presented at the next meeting for review and will put the possible playground upgrade on hold until the 2027 Annual meeting to discuss budgeting.
Highway 61 Construction meeting to be head at the Schroeder town hall on August 20, 2026 at 5pm. The MN department of transportation invites you to hear updates about highway 61 construction occurring in summer 2027 and hear about proposed long-range alternatives for the corridor between Little Marais and Tofte.
No Passing Zone between Issak Hansen’s and Grandview Park: Citizens have come forward with concerns with supervisor Johnson about accidents and multiple near accidents occurring when cars are trying to pass vehicles turning into the park or the hardware store on a daily occurrence. Request to have a letter written to either the highway department or MN DOT on place no passing lines; solid yellow lines on that stretch of highway to deter people from trying to pass or over take cars at that location. Have the departments research rink with passing and the increased traffic over the years to solve this issue.
C Homyak suggested encompassing another requested for the departments relook into extending the slower speed on the other side of Lutsen at the same time and extending the 40 mile per hour enforced speed limit starting at Alta Mikana as there is a similar issue happening on the west side of Lutsen and maintaining the slow speed until Caribou trail where there is a small by pass lane. The projected Gitchi Gami bike trail project happening next will already be affecting the traffic with the culvert near Paradise Park Place having to be replaced and major construction creating a double lane by pass. Traffic studies will be required for this project and encompassing it all together may benefit the township more. Further discussion will be held at the next township meting for specifics on this issue and what should be included in the request.
Review of the Treasurer’s Report through June 2026:
As of June 31, 2026 checking account funds are as follows:
General Fund; checking $314,941.32
General Building Fund Savings; $22,,592.70
General Fund Money Market; $86,939.34
Totaling bank funds; $424, 473.36 not including CD investments
Certificates of Deposits invested;
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State bank-$111,248.58 at 3.75%
Matures 5/2/27 Fire truck fund
o 24 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $10,249.18 at 4.0%
Matures 10/22/27 (Vehicle Refurbish/Manit)
o 24 Month CD at Grand Marais State Banke- $10,249.18 at 4.0%
Matures 10/22/27 (Equipment Replacement)
o 7 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $35,000 at 4.0%
Matures 8/27/26 Building fund
o 7 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $100,000 at 4.0%
Matures 8/27/26 General/Fire fund
o 7 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $112,817.63 at 4.0%
Matures 8/27/26 Truck Fund
o 13 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank- $105,074.59
Matures 4/27/27 Truck Fund
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank - $204,334.00 at 3.75%
Matures 5/29/27 Truck Loan Funds
o 11 Month CD at Grand Marais State Bank - $39,000.00 at 3.75%
Matures 5/29/27 Drone Funds
Total funds including CD investments $1,152,446.52 (This includes the truck loan of $204,334) Year to Date Receipts $289,055.20; Year to Date Disbursements $131,562.42. 2026 General town Budget $63,200.00, 2026 Fire District Budget $290,395.00 for a total budget of $353,595.00. 2026 General town Levy $40,000.00, 2026 Fire District Levy $275,000.00 for a total 2026 Levy of $315,000.00.
C Freisner made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
Review of the proposed 2027 Budget and any changes/updates
Grandview pavilion repairs; Does that need a substantial fund to repair? Currently the pillars sit directly on a concrete pad and often becomes water logged during the spring melt and recently there have been signs that the base of the pillars is starting to get dry rot; not currently a safety issue but it should be repaired long before it becomes one. The best solution which is currently being looked at for a quote is to lift the pavilion and replace the pillar then pour a 6-to-7-inch concrete support that will keep the wooden pillow out of the water during the spring. Town Park services funds will be raised by $10,000 to cover expected costs.
Truck loan repayment which has a promissory note signed from June of 2026 will need to be factored into the budget. At the moment the loan is invested into a CD to grow while waiting to the payment timeline in June 2027; the county loan is at 4% for half of the total amount for the rescue truck which will be delivered in early spring of 2027 to the Lutsen fire department. New line item “Cook County Truck Loan Payment added onto Fire/EMS budget in the amount of $25,200 for 2027.
It was advised to lower to funds for General town budget for legal professional services as less perceived need in 2027 and raise the funds for General town budget supplies to match what average costs have been in previous years.
C Friesner made a motion to finalize the Lutsen Township 2027 Levy at $265,200 for the Lutsen Fire district. $49,700 for the General Town Property Tax Levy with a Total Combine Levy of $314,900. C Homyak seconded. Motin passed.
Required motion for 2027 election and 2027 annual meeting:
C Friesner made a motion to approve holding the Lutsen Township 2027 election for local office on March 9, 2027 from 5pm-8pm at the Lutsen townhall to be directly followed by the annual 2027 Lutsen meeting at 8:05 at the Lutsen townhall. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
Adjournment: C Friesner made a motion to adjourn the 2026 annual meeting, C Homyak seconded. Motion passed at 8:55pm.
Note: Minutes are not word-for-word. Motions are as presented.
Respectfully Submitted,
Samantha Mcquatters-Spangle Sharon Hexum-Platzer
______________________________ __________________________________
Lutsen Town Clerk Meeting Moderator
LBAE Lutsen 2026 meeting
draft
Lutsen Township
Local Board of Appeals & Equalization Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2026
Lutsen Townhall
Meeting Called to Order: C Friesner called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance Recited
Meeting Attendees: Rachel Espe, Bob Thompson, Kyle Monson, Carl Friesner, Chris Homyak, Samantha Mcquatters-Spangle, Karen Ketchmark, Jason Ernst
Approval of Agenda: C Friesner addressed the room and asked if an item needed to be added or removed from the printed agenda? No objection C Friesner made a motion to approve agenda; C Homyak seconded. Motion passed.
LBAE 2025 Meeting Minutes: Read by all supervisors; previously approved at the 2025 May regular meeting.
Supervisor C Friesner acknowledged assessor Bob and gave him the floor.
Assessor Thompson provided packets;
The Final Ratio Print – This shows the median sales ratio for various property type aggregations and the sales counts.
Lutsen PRISM Mini – This compares changes to values, new construction, and acreages of various property type aggregations from 2025 to 2026.
Lutsen Sales Information – This is a list of all Lutsen sales that were used in the 2025 study period.
Lutsen Reject Information – This is a list of sales that were rejected from the study period for various reasons.
Appeals & Equalization Handbook – This is the MN Department of Revenue Training Manual.
County-Wide Information – This is county-wide statistical data.
Advised discussion topics to go over with assessor Thompson at the meeting was supervisor training for the LBAE which should be completed by February prior to the same years meetings which will then be signed off with the assessor’s office for at the LBAE meetings.
Lutsen’s property value increased at a slightly higher rate then the county average over the past year. Lutsen increased by either 4.5% while the county average was 3.5% mostly due to the sales on Cascade Beach Road and at Caribou Highlands however they will go down as there are already listed properties at below the assessed value.
No public appeals presented.
There were no appeals presented either before or during the meeting and no motion was needed to pass.
C Friesner made a motion to adjourn; C Homyak seconded. Motion passed and meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
2026 Audit and Budget Meeting
2026 Audit and Budget meetings for Lutsen Township
Audit Meeting started at 5:00pm
Budget Meeting started at 5:53pm
