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Hermantown council confirms appointment, backs BDPI reapplication and awards water contract; approves routine items
Summary
The Hermantown City Council appointed Barry Simonson to the utility commission, authorized reapplication for a $2 million BDPI grant linked to the Hockline development, supported the county's matching application, awarded a $943,672 water-system contract to Lakehead Constructors, approved surplus-property disposal and authorized purchase of two police vehicles.
The Hermantown City Council moved through a series of routine and project-related actions on Feb. 28, approving an appointment, several resolutions tied to a business-development grant and awarding a water-system contract after a rebid produced competitive bids.
The council approved the appointment of Barry Simonson to a three‑year term on the utility commission. The motion was made by Councilor Geissler and seconded by Councilor Peterson and passed by roll call.
Council adopted Resolution 2026‑30 authorizing reapplication to the state for a $2,000,000 Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) grant for the Hockline development. Economic-development staff explained the reapplication was necessary to meet Office of Management and Budget (state OMB) requirements to demonstrate cash on hand; the financing structure described includes issuing bonds and assessing developer obligations over time. The council also approved Resolution 2026‑31 expressing support for St. Louis County's reapplication tied to the same project.
The council awarded Resolution 2026‑32 to Lakehead Constructors Inc. for Improvement District No. 323 water-systems connection and booster-station work in the amount of $943,672 after the city rebid the project and received four competitive bids. Miss Crago explained the rebid process and recommended Lakehead as the lowest responsive bidder.
Council also approved Resolution 2026‑33 authorizing disposal of surplus city property (three rotated police squads) and Resolution 2026‑34 authorizing purchase of two police vehicles for a combined amount of $109,323.84 plus taxes and fees, as part of the adopted capital-improvement plan and budget.
The consent agenda, including minutes and accounts-payable warrants totaling $2,991,655.11 (02/16/2026–02/28/2026), was approved by roll call. With business concluded, the council recessed.
No votes or formal actions on the proposed hyperscale data center were recorded at the meeting; members heard extensive public comment and moved to the listed motions and resolutions.
