One item at the meeting was the unanimous decision to declare September as Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. The Adult Services manager presented the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of community understanding and vigilance in addressing adult protection issues. Key statistics were shared: 674 reports of adult protection issues were filed in 2023 up to the end of July, with the highest number of reports—85—occurring in July alone.

The proclamation aims to raise awareness and support prevention efforts within the community. As part of these initiatives, community partners like Cub Foods and Schafers Food will sell donation cards from September 9th to September 23rd, with proceeds aimed at supporting vulnerable adults. Additionally, three mandated reporter training sessions are planned in collaboration with community partners, including Essentia Health’s social work department and CRMC, as well as a presentation for the state veteran service officer conference. The motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

In another significant matter, the board addressed a petition to vacate parts of Maple Drive and Elm Drive in an unorganized territory. Bill Ron, a resident of Afton, Minnesota, who owns recreational property on North Long Lake, presented his case. He explained that a 20-foot cartway running through his property, a remnant from a previous vacation to the west, was impacting his plans to sell the property after his wife’s passing. Ron requested the consolidation of two lots divided by this cartway into one contiguous lot. After hearing Ron’s statement and with no additional public comments, the board sought input from the county engineer, who characterized the situation as administrative. The board then moved to approve the petition with a unanimous vote.

The meeting also included a presentation by the Adult Services manager regarding the Voice organization’s request to reduce its onsite capacity from 40 to 8 individuals at a new location on Oak Street. This request was previously approved by the board, and the manager clarified that the reduction would not eliminate potential future service opportunities in the county. The Department of Human Services (DHS) would respect the county’s recommendation on this matter. The motion to reconsider and approve the change passed without opposition.

Further into the meeting, the board heard an update on various emergency management projects from the County Sheriff. He discussed ongoing inquiries into the state declaration following a tornado in June, noting delays due to subsequent flooding and the state’s busy schedule. Additionally, the board was informed about a submitted grant for $424,000 for armor equipment, which is still awaiting feedback. The Sheriff also highlighted that September is National Preparedness Month, with efforts underway to engage the community in preparedness discussions. An upcoming three-day conference for the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers and a full-scale airport exercise at Brainard Airport were also noted.

The board then considered the final plat of Woodshire, which consists of ten individual lots and one outlot in Lake Edward Township. The plat had previously been approved by the Planning Commission and was now up for final approval. With no concerns from Lake Edward Township and compliance with township specifications for maintenance, the board voted in favor of the final plat without opposition.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Fire Chiefs from Cross Lake and Brainerd presented an overview of the plan, which is important for the county’s natural hazards mitigation strategy. The plan, developed through collaboration with local community members and stakeholders, identifies specific high-risk zones and challenging access routes that may impede emergency services during a wildfire. The plan includes maps highlighting these areas and aims to strengthen evacuation routes from vulnerable neighborhoods. The board moved to adopt the plan after a motion was made and seconded, passing unanimously.

The County Administrator also introduced a senior management team report covering several topics, including continuous quality improvement initiatives, a new cohort for green belt training, and the preliminary budget for 2025. The introduction of the Atlas Student Volunteer Program was noted, which aims to engage students with disabilities in community projects to develop their life skills.