The Hibbing City Council on Oct. 1 approved a multi-item consent agenda and several separate resolutions, including waiving planning commission review for a Housing and Economic Development Authority purchase and ordering the demolition or remediation of a hazardous building.

The consent agenda — moved by Councilor Hoffman Sockman and supported by Councilor Bayless — included: approval of accounts payable dated 09/25/2025 (checks 181025 through 181122 and drafts totaling $1,948,961.76); approval of city payroll ending 09/19/2025 in the amount of $682,944.40; authorization of out-of-state travel for Jason Hager; declaration of surplus property; authorization of multiple hires (including temporary and on-call firefighter and library positions); acceptance of a grant-writing proposal by Miriam Carroll Consulting for $2,060; authorization for council attendance at legislative bonding tours; authorization to sign an assignment of a purchase agreement to Cobb Cook Place, LLP for property at 400 Fifth West Avenue West; and approval of the 2025 fall yard cleanup scheduled for Oct. 27–30, 2025. The council approved the consent agenda unanimously; no roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript.

Separately, the council considered a request from Andy Borland, the city attorney, to waive planning commission review of HEDA's purchase of the former Abel Chiropractic building at 507 East Howard Street. Councilor Whitney moved the waiver and Councilor Hildebrand supported the motion; the motion carried with the council voting "Aye." Borland said the purchase is between Saint Louis County and HEDA and that the city plans to move forward with potential demolition once HEDA has control of the parcel.

The council then adopted a resolution ordering removal of a hazardous condition at 2216 Fourth Avenue East. Borland told the council the property is in tax-forfeit status and that the city housing and building inspection staff had determined the structure is unsafe. Councilor Hoffman Sockman moved the resolution; support came from Councilor Faso. The motion carried with a recorded voice vote of "Aye," and the clerk was directed to serve the county with the order.

Under bids and quotes, staff requested approval to purchase a mini TriCaster for the Hibbing Public Access Television (HPAT) office for $6,590. Ms. Zeppelin asked the council to authorize the purchase; Councilor Whitney moved approval and Councilor Bayless supported the motion. The council approved the purchase.

Other consent items recorded in the packet but not discussed in detail during the meeting included a resolution opting to join the statewide volunteer firefighter plan administered by PERA and approval of labor agreements with Teamsters local as listed in the packet. The meeting adjourned following routine motions for closure.

Votes at a glance: consent agenda — approved (moved by Councilor Hoffman Sockman; support by Councilor Bayless; outcome: approved, voice vote recorded as "Aye"); waiver of planning commission review for HEDA purchase at 507 East Howard Street — approved (moved by Councilor Whitney; support by Councilor Hildebrand; outcome: approved); resolution ordering removal of hazardous condition at 2216 Fourth Avenue East — approved (moved by Councilor Hoffman Sockman; support by Councilor Faso; outcome: approved); mini TriCaster purchase for HPAT ($6,590) — approved (moved by Councilor Whitney; support by Councilor Bayless; outcome: approved).