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 clarifies expectations for contractors working in the right-of-way and creates a record of improvements. The ordinance passed on roll call with Councilor Peterson, Councilor Geissler, Councilor Jelley, Councilor LeBlanc and Mayor Boushey voting aye.

The council also approved on second reading Ordinance 2025-02, which amends sections 10-60 (erosion and sediment control for land disturbance) and 10-80 (post-construction stormwater runoff) of the Hermantown Code; staff said the updates align local code with the state MS4 permit. The ordinance passed on roll call with all members present voting aye.

On first reading only (no vote tonight), the council heard Ordinance 2025-03 to add a new section 2-80 establishing a city housing trust fund. Staff and Chad Ranjadeghi, the city’s Economic Development Director, said the trust fund would hold state-provided affordable housing aid and could be used to address local housing gaps; staff emphasized that state dollars deposited into the fund may carry affordability requirements when spent. The ordinance will return for a future vote.

The council approved multiple resolutions and contract actions by roll call, including: - Resolution 2025-10: establishing procedures to comply with reimbursement bond rules under the Internal Revenue Code (annual housekeeping). Passed unanimously by roll call. - Resolution 2025-11: authorizing distribution of the city's pay equity study to the State of Minnesota (report required every three years). Passed unanimously by roll call. - Resolution 2025-12: authorizing a tentative collective bargaining agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 47 for Jan. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2027; staff said the tentative agreement provides multi-year wage increases. Passed unanimously by roll call. - Resolution 2025-13: authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute master services agreements with Braun Intertech Corporation and Engineering Partners Inc. for geotechnical and materials testing services (continuation of standing contractor arrangement used since 2017). Passed by roll call with all members recorded aye. - Resolution 2025-14: authorizing a naming-rights agreement for Fickner Park with Centricity Credit Union; the agreement includes a stated donation of $500,000. One council member declared a conflict of interest and said they would abstain; roll call recorded four ayes (Councilor LeBlanc, Councilor Peterson, Councilor Geisler, Mayor Boushey) and the motion passed. - Resolution 2025-15: authorizing purchase of pitching mounds and mats for Fickner Park (intended for April delivery). Passed by roll call. - Resolution 2025-16: approving pay request No. 8 to Kasky Inc. for Fickner Park improvements in the amount of $43,211.71. Passed by roll call. - Resolution 2025-17: approving Change Order No. 1 for Bridge Improvement District No. 542 with Northland Constructors; staff reported decreased quantities (less bedrock encountered) and a net contract reduction of $19,757.35. Passed by roll call. - Resolution 2025-18: approving Change Orders No. 2 and 3 for Road Improvement District No. 541 with Northland Constructors, producing a net contract reduction of $339,549.34 related to Hermantown Road work. Passed by roll call. - Resolution 2025-19: approving pay request No. 7 to Northland Constructors for road/bridge work in the amount of $450,454.42 (project A roadway payment and final bridge payment for project B); staff said 5% retainage remains on some work. Passed by roll call. - Resolution 2025-20: authorizing Hermantown to support St. Louis County’s County State Aid Highway 6 (Maple Grove Road) project (a county-led project that does not include Hermantown city roads). Passed by roll call. - Resolution 2025-21 (late addition): designating Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, as Dave Huddle Day to recognize a retiring arena manager. Passed by roll call.

Staff and the council noted remaining administrative steps for ongoing projects, including a warranty period and a planned final acceptance of the Hermantown Road/bridge contracts (staff expects contract acceptance in June 2025). Several council members asked technical follow-ups and staff responded with project-specific details.

The council recessed without a closed session at the end of the meeting.