Lutsen Township Board Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2026
Lutsen Town Hall
Present:
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 June Meeting Minutes: C Friesner motioned to approve the updated minutes. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
Fire incident reports from Sheriffs, NEMO and fire services: Commissioner Storlie presented emergency information flyers about the fires and evacuations in the local community. A declaration of emergency through the state has been signed and federal services. Additionally, a resolution for expenditures has been signed to authorize action before the emergency steps are taken. Cook County emergency manager is retiring and in place a new management team Firewise has been contracted to service to local area. A national incident management organization has been called in to help manage logistics with the fire (NEMO).
o NEMO representative liaison Chris who helps with communication the other emergency services and the local community and who were delegated the authority to manage the little knife fire. Updates as of July 18, 2026 the little knife fire is at 4958 acres. A key portion of managing fires is the rain that falls over the area; the little bit that has come with the storms has helped to lessen the spread however that also comes with lighting strikes. Information to the local community along with updates about the fire is available on the cook county government website; https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/. If preferred app on a phone Watch Duty will also compile this information and can automatically update your phone when a change in fire or evacuation is issued. Public information officers are also posting signage around the community at local bulletin boards all the way from Gunflint, Grand Marais into the west end areas and daily updates on WTIP.
Incident commander for NEMO team 3 Jason; the week of July 18th NEMO took authority from the US forest services to manage the little knife fire. Several reconnaissance flights with operation section chiefs risk management officers as well as fire behavior analysts who have surveyed the situation not only on the boarder but as well into Canada as fires don’t stop because of a boarder. After the last few storms that brought enough rain to slow the spread there has been very little activity and growth with the border fires. The Grand Marais airport fire had a couple buckets of water dropped onto it and that no longer has any visible smoke. There is concern over the dry air and soil near the current fires that will need to be monitored over the coming weeks as the fire is burning deeper into the duff and wont always show flames and smoke until is comes closer to the surface. Infrared flights will pick up the heat signature but the deeper in the duff they burn the harder they are to spot. NEMO mission plan is to set the forest up for success over a full fire season until winter comes; planning and logistics on how to deal with each fire. Currently we are nation preparedness level 5 which is the highest level in the country meaning there is significant stress on the system, the ordering system the response capability system with no a lot of resources to go around but our specific geographic area and the dispatch centers and members to a multi-agency coordination system or advocation for the resources are started and will be monitoring the community and continue planning efforts.
o Agency administrator for the little knife fire Adam and his supervisor Drew; His role is to lift the burden of managing the large fire incident on local units so other units can focus on the day-to-day operations that go on in the forest as well as any other initial activity. Current concern over lighting and new fires starting. Cook County airport in Grand Marais has allowed emergency planes to station there which can more quickly respond to fires starting before they an get too big. Currently lighting fire has started all of the fire in the boundary waters area; nature started the fires and nature is going to be what puts it out. Besides little knife there are 5 other fires burning on the side of boundary waters and a strong likelihood of fire on these landscapes until we get snow. Little knife fire is looking good at the moment but the problem is with the way that fires are fueled in the area is a really deep duff; 2 to 3 feet deep which burns without flame on the surface and we are incredibly dry even with the little bit of rain received in the last week. The constant lighting strike currently at over 10,000 strikes hitting in the boundary waters alone is a real concern. These strikes can take anywhere between a few days to a few week for the duff to burn enough to show actual flame along with the historical burn windows usually being in the spring and ends up summer/fall so we will continue with a constant vigilance and monitoring to catch any new fires before they can get big enough to effect the community and squash them once we see them. Remember this a fire dependent system; every 80 or so years the forest likes to burn and restart forests like we have around the area so remember at places around your home remove flammable items like fallen limbs and dead trees. Bud worms killed off a lot of tree this last month so just remember to keep an eye on the areas around your home that can be taken care of before a fire gets close.
Questions:
o how do you combat fires that are underground in the duff? NEMO team responded that monitoring and combating any new fire immediately however at the end of the day weather started this a weather will be the one to put it out; once the snow comes the fires will die down.
o Sherriff how do evacuations work and how do you notify citizens? Cook County uses the code red program. Used in sever weather and definitely for fire evacuations this has three settings “Ready, Set and Go” which will let citizens know where evacuations are happening. You can go to cook county website to sign up:
https://cookcountymn.gov/government/departments/sheriff/codered.php
(if you signed up for code red previously years ago sign up again as there was a data breach previously that caused the system to be rewritten; multiple sign up’s are ok you will only get one message)
Watch Duty is a free app that can be used with the same information: no registration needed
this will send an alert to your preferred contact and update you if your address or area comes into the evacuation area. This will show you each status
§ Ready: prepare to evacuate, and have your plan and go-kit ready. Seniors and people with disabilities should take actions. Monitor for additional evacuation notices
§ Set: Be set to evacuate at a moments notice. You are in a high danger in your areas so follow your evacuation plan.
§ Go: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY without delay. This is imminent danger in your areas and is unsafe to stay.
If your area comes into the “Go” phase sheriffs and fire crew will be knocking on every door and evacuating people at the “Go” status and leaving an evacuation notice on every door if you are not home at the time. Please lock your door and windows when leaving just for security.
Shelters are also a good place to check in; YMCA is the current evacuation point that you can check in.
There is a suggested emergency evacuation list on the Cook County site if you’re wanting to cover all your basis in making a go bag.
o What is there is a mass exodus? The logistics team take into account populations when evacuation planning happens to account for the expected traffic flow and access points. We talk to vulnerable people who have already left the area ahead of time. This is a conversation that takes place during or planning phase on not just who is in immediate danger but also who is affected in the evacuation process and limiting access to effected areas. The grade road where the US forest service spent millions in upgrading and stabilizing which was recently placed with Cook County to take care of is set as an evacuation route.
Thank you for all the emergency personnel responding to the fires and helping the community!
Sheriff Hallberg donation: An anonymous donation from the family a successful and notable search and rescue donated to the responding emergency services including the Lutsen fire/EMS crew along with a thank you letter which was presented and read by sheriff Hallberg. Thank you, Lutsen Fire and EMS, for all you hard work and dedication!
Commissioner’s Report: (Ginny Storlie) No additional reporting after the fire incident reports.
Clerk’s Report: S. Mcquatters-Spangle Deputy Clerk: S. Hexum-Platzer
Correspondence: Correspondence: 2 new rentals and Eagle Brook rental renewal through the 2026 year, 12 calls (10 forwarded to fire); Superior NF - BWCAW Fire Restriction Termination, CARIBOU HIGHLANDS FIRE insurance follow up; forwarded to fire, Iron range: INVITATION: 2026 Outdoor Industry Summit, OSA Weekly Update, Stations: 14 2026 Conference Takeaways l Futureproofing Volunteer Stations, City of Grand Marais Weekly Update, Employer Education on New Legislation, Minnesota Association of Townships newsletter, AAAA Newsletter, July Update, Notice of Grant Opportunities Iron Range, July 2026 Employer Newsletter, New Wildfires on the Superior National Forest, Wildfire Emergency Closure Order Issued by Superior National Forest, July 2026 Superior NF Wildfires Facts Sheet, Wildfire Emergency Closure Order Update - Quetico & Gunflint, American Flags to Half-Staff, Emergency Expanded Closure for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Remittance Advice Notification; forwarded, Superior NF Extends BWCAW permit cancellations to July 24,
A. Townhall and fire office supplies ordered
B. Talked with bank about secondary card
C. MN Dot correspondence
D. Blanket for emergency shelter acquired
E. Talked with Sundew Tech about speed signs
F. Updated CTAS to correct notable bugs
G. Quarter 2 taxes
H. Correspondence with MN DOT
Treasurer’s Report; Dale Sundstrom: As of June 31,2026;
North Shore Federal Credit Union-Checking $314,941.32; General Building Fund-savings $22,592.70, General Money Market $86,939.34 totaling $424,473.36; 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 5/29/27
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 Friesner made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. C Homyak seconded. Motion passed
Review and Approval of Claims:
· Clerk S. Mcquatters-Spangle provided the invoiced July Claims. Details including 2nd quarter taxes, MATIT insurance payment, reimbursement to fire crew for fuel purchases for fire truck mutual aid.
· C Friesner made a motion to approve July claims. D Johnson seconded. Motion passed.
· Clerk provided July 2026 payroll; 8 claims totaling $3,336.25
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 July 2026 presented and which matches with treasurer’s report
Fire and EMS Report:
· Chief Duclos reported 14 fire call and 7 EMS calls.
· One of the firefighters resigned as of this last month due so Lutsen will have another slot open to anyone wanting to volunteer
· Lutsen have been helping with mutual aid fires including loaning out personnel to help and fire trucks however once the northern end of Lutsen was put under “Ready” status fire chief Duclos pulled back resources to help combat local fires including the Crecent lake fire.
· Requested use of personnel and tender truck for mutual aid for the current week of July 20, 2026; day shift only
· Requested township clerk to advise all townhall rentals to not block the fire truck doors or in any of the no parking areas as they will be blocked in during fire emergencies by the emergencies personnel vehicles for the duration of the entire fire call; clerk will inform each rental and update the policies on rental agreements.
· EMS training included drone training, drug use and treatments, rope and ladders on roofs, SCBA checks and dry hydrant checks
· Updated wildland contracts for the fire crew which includes rate increases in mutual aid and fire truck type rentals and personnel increase for mutual aid. (This is the contract for mutual aid for the fire service)
· Held a fish fry at the Tofte 4th of July celebrations and sold 125 pounds of fish raising about $5,700 to go to the fire crew.
· Additional credit card for fire use requested
· PERA update for the Fire, EMS included an increase from $2000 a year to $3000 a year which will not trigger a required contribution from the township and will leave the Lutsen fire department pension at 103% funded which will go into effect at the start of 2027
Supervisors’ Reports
C Friesner:
o Garbage services at the Lutsen dog park.
o Talked with contracted mower to services the dog park.
o Attended 4th of July celebrations; great job fire crew on fish fry.
D Johnson:
o worked with the West End Emergency Preparedness group and the upcoming emergency awareness fair.
o continued online training for new supervisors.
o The WTIP report will include information on local fires and evacuations.
o Helped to field an issue at the local town park on water issues effecting neighbors and loss of water pressures which shares water and electrical with the town park; discussion of how the repair costs will be split. Supervisor Homyak suggested looking into installing a meter for each property that shares utility services with the park to better manage instead of just issuing a 3-way split.
C Homyak:
o Gitchi Gami trail meetings; also attended additional Gitchi Gami trail outside of the normal meeting
o further investigated drone liability insurance which seems to only need to have liability covered as the parts will be covered with the service and warranty covered by 3-year contract.
o Attended Tofte 4th of July celebration and helped with the Lutsen fire fish fry; great job all Fire/EMS crew!
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.
· 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.
· Bulletin board: Supervisors will review options and cost-effective designs
· Gitchi Gami Trail extension: IRRR monies 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 including who is working, qualifications, time frames and a required resolution. Engineering of the culverts and replacements will continue; purposed two lane bypasses during construction however nothing set in stone yet however the culvert is slated to be replaced by 2027 and bridge in 2028.
· Drone update; grants, fundings and outreach: (Sharon Hexum-Platzer) Township received the Lloyd K Johnson Fund of $15000 for the drone. Drone yearly cost then will be paid at the 2nd year invoice date and the 3rd year invoice date. Still waiting to hear back from two grants however Sharon will look into applying back-to-back and matching funds grants. Supervisor Homyak will reach out to insurance companies on getting liability coverage for the drone which classifies as an arial vehicle. The warranty will be covered
· Rescue truck updates: Promissory note for the rescue truck signed and filed to be paid back as per the loan truck agreement. Current funds have been placed into a CD to invest until the payment is due once the truck is built and delivered near the spring of 2027.
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:
· Secondary credit card for Lutsen Fire Department: Request additional credit card for the tire truck to keep on hand for gas and fire emergencies; North Shore Federal Credit Union is updating their policy for all credit cards and requesting to move $10,000 from checking into a separate savings account to essentially create a secure credit card. This will be a needed services for the current credit card that the Township uses. Supervisor Friesner made a motion to move $10,000 from the NSFCU account into a separate savings account to comply with the new policy, supervisor Homyak seconded. Motion passed. To acquire a secondary credit card the two processes offered is the add an additional line to the current credit line or to apply for a second credit line and would then require an additional $10,000 put into another savings account. The supervisors all agreed that adding a secondary card to the current credit line would suffice and be easier to account for all charges on one credit line. Supervisor Friesner made a motion to add an additional credit card to the current credit line and all approved personnel which will include supervisors, clerks, treasurers and the additional card will be approved to use for the fire crew. Supervisor Johnson seconded. Motion passed. (This will require all authorized personnel will need to sign on the bank agreement once processed.)
· TV donation from CCHE; supervisors reviewed the donations and declined as the TV stand donation would not be used effectively at the townhall.
· Continued Lutsen Township Annual Meeting: Continued annual meeting will commence on August 18, 2026 at 6pm before the regular meeting which will be held at 7pm. Public is encouraged to attend this will include the finalizing of the 2028 township budget.
· Request to fix townhall parking issues:
o The three lines nearest the townhall door have become an issue with weekly rentals and parking and request to have them blacked out. Supervisor Friesner will fix this issue.
o A hole has shown up on the side of the townhall parking and a cone has been placed over it; needed service as it could be a leaking pipe underground that may need to be services and washing out the underground.
Donations for the Drone: Lutsen 99er, Wayne & Kelly Maunula, Musty-Barnhart agency
Citizen Comments: None
Adjournment: C Friesner motioned to adjourn Seconded by C Homyak. Motion passed; Board adjourned at 9:05pm
Respectfully Submitted, S Mcquatters-Spangle; Deputy Clerk Carl Friesner; Chairperson