Hibbing City Council approves buyout, plat exemption and joint-powers amendment for Public Works facility

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing City Council on April 22 approved a package of actions aimed at shifting ownership and operations of the Central Range Public Works Facility and freeing land for a future public safety building.

City Administrator Greg Brzezinski told the council the city is proposing to buy an increased share of the facility so it and the Minnesota Department of Transportation would be equal partners. Brzezinski said the total property price is $1,300,000 and that Hibbing’s share would be $890,000. He said the parcel the city plans to acquire would be subdivided to provide a site for a new fire hall, police space and ambulance services.

The council approved a resolution (identified in the meeting packet as 25-04-21) that Brzezinski described as the memorandum and conditions of sale for the public works facility. Councilors who made and seconded motions were recorded during the meeting and the motions carried by voice vote.

Building official Mr. Green presented a plat-exemption request to divide one parcel into two in the R1 zoning district so the city could own the parcel intended for the public safety building. Green told the council a legal survey had been submitted, both parcels would front on a street and utilities would be available; the city planning commission recommended approval. The council voted to approve the plat exemption.

Brzezinski also outlined proposed changes to the joint powers agreement that governs operations at the facility. He said that once an on-site building is demolished as part of the subdivision and development, MnDOT’s operational share would increase from 15% to 20%, St. Louis County’s share would fall from 47% to 42%, and the city’s interest would remain at 38%. He added the amendment allows St. Louis County to use one of the city’s steel buildings for about two years while it moves equipment.

The council authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign joint powers contract amendment number 1 to reflect the changed ownership and operational responsibilities. Council members noted the matter had been reviewed in prior workshops and thanked staff for the work preparing the packet and the draft amendment.

The meeting also approved routine consent-agenda items, including accounts payable checks dated April 22, 2025, and concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Next steps: city staff will proceed with closing steps for the purchase, the plat will be finalized consistent with the approved exemption, and the joint powers amendment will be executed by the mayor and city clerk; the council did not set specific dates for the demolition or building timeline during the meeting.