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Hibbing administrator addresses traffic pilot at 31st & 1st, confirms Speedway contract and approves fleet equipment purchases
Summary
City Administrator Greg Prasinski reported positive feedback on a pilot 4‑way stop at 31st and 1st, confirmed XR Events remains under contract and will race in 2026, and the council approved purchases of a Falcon Road patch trailer ($44,034) and a skid water tank ($46,161).
City Administrator Greg Prasinski provided updates on transportation, recreational events and fleet procurement at the Jan. 7 meeting.
Traffic pilot: After a traffic signal was damaged at the intersection of 31st and 1st, staff piloted a 4‑way stop in lieu of repairing the old signal; Prasinski reported only positive feedback so far and said the traffic and parking study consultant will present final recommendations in February. Staff said flashing beacons or enhanced signage could be added if the 4‑way stop is retained on busier corridors.
Speedway and events: Prasinski confirmed XR Events — the operator of Hibbing Speedway under a multi‑year contract — is current on financial obligations and sanctioned with WESOTA; he denied knowledge of any $2 million or $3 million buyout offer for the racetrack and said any such sale would be brought to the city council for consideration. XR Events requested a winter Enduro event and asked the city to plow pit areas; staff described limited city assistance (plow pits) while the operator would handle the track.
Fleet purchases: Fleet manager Joe McKinney presented two procurement items — a Falcon Road patch trailer ($44,034) to improve alley patching and a skid water tank unit ($46,161) to outfit a multiuse truck — both approved by council. McKinney said funding for the skid unit would come from undesignated funds rather than an increased levy.
Why it matters: The traffic pilot could change signal infrastructure and pedestrian safety at a busy intersection; confirmation of XR Events’ contract preserves a year of scheduled racing and local economic activity; the fleet purchases aim to improve city maintenance capability for pothole/patch work and chloride/touch‑up operations.
What’s next: The consultant will present the full traffic and parking study in February, staff will coordinate any winter event details with XR Events and fleet procurement will proceed per approved quotes.
