Hermantown council approves ordinances, contracts and spending items; naming-rights deal clears

Hermantown City Council voted on a package of ordinances, resolutions and contract actions during its regular meeting, approving two ordinances on second reading, authorizing professional services and construction payments, and accepting a naming-rights donation for Fickner Park.

Council action came after routine business and a public comment on the stormwater fee. The most significant votes included final passage of a right-of-way ordinance and an update to erosion and post-construction stormwater regulations; the council also authorized agreements with engineering and testing firms, approved a tentative contract with the police union and accepted multiple construction pay requests and change orders related to local road and bridge work.

The council approved the consent agenda, which included approval of continuation minutes from Jan. 6, 2025; warrants totaling $508,498.30 for Jan. 1–15, 2025; and three appointments (Dwight Wickstrom to the park board; Bill Berg and Doug Kurfeld to the utility commission). The motion to approve the consent agenda passed on a roll call vote (motion by Councilor Geissler; second by Councilor Jelley).

On ordinances, the council approved on second reading Ordinance 2025-1 amending Chapter 3 of the Hermantown Code to continue administration and regulation of public rights-of-way and to regulate issuance of right-of-way permits. City staff explained the ordinance…