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Virginia City council approves consent agenda, multiple grants, hires and program authorizations
Summary
At its March 24 meeting the council approved the consent agenda (with one abstention on the finance resolution), authorized several grant applications and agreements (Iron Range Resources grants and an MPCA stormwater resilience grant), approved hire and program items, and authorized advertising for summer student labor positions.
At the March 24 meeting the Virginia City Council approved routine and project items grouped in the consent agenda, adopted several grant-related resolutions, approved a new hire and an employee fitness program, and authorized advertising for summer student labor positions.
Consent and finance: The council approved the consent agenda (items 5.1–5.8) with Councilor Johnson moving the motion and Councilor Backus Schneider supporting it. Councilor Paulson asked that item 5.2 (finance resolution 26-006, schedule of bills) be handled separately and abstained from that item because of a personal conflict; the remaining consent items were approved. The consent agenda included approval of a payment to Kraus-Anderson for the Public Safety Center in the amount of $303,339.56 and the renewal of a 2:00 a.m. liquor license for Martini Incorporated (Tommy’s Rainy Lake Saloon and Deli).
Grants and projects: Council adopted resolutions to apply for and accept Department of Iron Range Resources funds for a public works infrastructure grant (1813 9th Avenue North) and a commercial redevelopment grant (329 Chestnut Street). The council also approved entering a grant agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for the Virginia Stormwater Resilience Plan Phase Two; staff said there is an in‑kind match of approximately $13,300 in televising services from the sewer crew to document. Council also moved forward on a Department of Iron Range Resources Development Partnership Grant application for phase seven of the downtown redevelopment project; staff said matching funds are available in the city’s economic development fund; Councilor Paulson abstained from that item.
Personnel and programs: The council adopted a resolution to hire a patrol officer and approved an employee fitness membership program offering staff 50% off single or family memberships. The council authorized the advertisement for summer student laborer positions (authorization to advertise does not equal hiring) and directed staff to partner with HR to design a mentorship program tailored to student-based positions, with brief weekly check-ins and coordination with union representatives.
Other approvals: Committee items approved included advertising for bids on the 16th Avenue culvert replacement, applying for a Minnesota DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant for the Virginia Splash Pad, authorizing RFPs for wastewater treatment plant services, and approving special assessment reimbursements of $1,350 to two property owners for rental non-compliance.
The council recorded votes and abstentions where required; several items passed without further discussion.
