Hermantown council approves zoning changes, fees, park purchases and trail easements; floodplain update set for second reading

The Hermantown City Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions affecting zoning, fees, public safety, parks and infrastructure at its meeting.

Key approvals included second readings and adoptions of zoning and environmental review ordinances that standardize how the city refers to state environmental review thresholds and add a new Chapter 23 to the zoning code. City staff told the council the ordinances reference Minnesota Statute 4410 to clarify when environmental assessment worksheets, environmental impact statements or alternative urban area‑wide reviews are required, and add a fee schedule for those documents where none existed before.

Councilors also approved an amendment to the fee schedule that adds a $7.50 pass‑through water fee from the City of Duluth; council discussion noted that over 15 years Duluth would collect an estimated $3,000,000 from that fee and that Hermantown will not profit from the pass‑through.

Other actions approved by roll call (all recorded votes were unanimous unless noted) included:

- Purchase of two police vehicles: resolution awarding a contract for two police squad cars for $105,476.56 plus applicable taxes and fees; motion by Councilor LeBlanc, second by Councilor Geisler; outcome: approved.

- Joint powers agreement with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): authorization to execute a JPA to participate in the Minnesota anti‑heroin task force, allowing the city to receive reimbursement for overtime and participate in state investigations; motion by Councilor Gelli, second by Councilor Geisler; outcome: approved.

- Summaries of lengthy ordinances: council approved resolutions authorizing publication of short summaries for the recent zoning ordinance changes (chapter 2 definitions, chapter 5 land use regulations, chapter 11 planned unit development) rather than publishing full text.

- Park and events purchases: approved a purchase agreement with Flashing Thunder Fireworks for a New Year’s Eve fireworks display to mark Hermantown’s 50th anniversary on Dec. 31, 2025; approved purchase of bat and helmet racks and equipment bag hooks for dugouts from BaseballRacks.com; approved signage purchases for Fichtner Park tied to sponsorships.

- Trail easements: the council accepted a series of easement agreements for the Hermantown Trail project from several property owners (Joan M. Roll & Johnny L. Roll; Robert A. Carlson; Christine L. Fairbanks & Steven D. Fairbanks; Harlan G. Newman); motions and seconds were recorded and each resolution passed.

- Facilities and design work: the council authorized advertisement for bids for replacement of roof and insulation at the Public Works facility (staff will review bids with the insurance company before bringing an award to council) and authorized the building official to advertise an RFP for professional design services to repair and upgrade City Hall HVAC systems.

A first reading was held but no vote taken on an updated floodplain management ordinance (amending Chapter 15) tied to recently updated FEMA flood maps; that ordinance will return for a second reading at a future meeting. City staff said the update aligns the local ordinance with DNR and FEMA guidance and adds definitions, diagrams and standards for infrastructure and manufactured homes.

All formal votes recorded in the meeting minutes were passed by roll call. The council moved through the consent agenda and other routine business after the action items.