Commissioners hold boundaries

Following a hearing and a presentation of a redistricting proposal by a high school student, the Carlton County board of commissioners voted 4-1 to make no changes to the boundaries of the five commissioner districts. Commissioner Mark Thell voted no. The agenda item, from motions, discussion, to voting took no more than three minutes at the April 25 adjourned session.

Esko senior Nick Barta had presented a redistricting plan at the April 12 hearing that changed the commissioner district boundaries to reflect the changes in population noted in the 2020 U.S. Census. His proposal adjusted boundaries so the populations of each district were more similar. Any change would have forced all five commissioners to run for re-election in the November general election.

“There has been much discussion over possible changes to district boundaries. I commend Barta’s proposal,” said commissioner Marv Bodie.

He said he got comments from community members who were concerned that Barta’s plan would have made three commissioners representing parts of Cloquet. “That issue gave me pause to vote for the current plan we now have,” Bodie said.

Thell said after the vote that there continues to be growth in his district versus a neighboring Cloquet district that has lost population. He acknowledged state standards for requiring redistricting have not been met to force boundary changes.

Rail crossing

The railroad crossing south of the Sawyer store on County State Aid Highway 7 will be upgraded with safety lights and arms. Currently, a stop sign requires motorists to stop at the crossing.

County highway engineer JinYeene Neumann reported the cost would be about $275,000, with the county’s share at 10 percent. The signals will be in operation within 18 months once the contractor has the go-ahead to start.