Hermantown appoints neutral administrator for Maple Fields relocation fund as residents voice relocation concerns

Council held a public hearing after staff said Maple Fields Mobile Home Park had filed a closure statement and intends to close by Feb. 13, 2026. The hearing gave residents an opportunity to describe relocation impacts and allowed the council to appoint a neutral administrator for the Minnesota Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund.

"It has been my home for over 20 years. I don't want to move," said resident Dennis Diet, who asked how the relocation trust fund application process works and urged the city to avoid forcing moves in the middle of winter. Staff told Diet to submit the relocation paperwork to Eric Johnson and said the city will forward applications to the third‑party administrator once that person is appointed.

Another resident, Ed Belleview, said he has found a place to move but does not know who will pay moving costs; he said he had been quoted between $10,000 and $20,000 to move a home. Staff replied that the neutral third‑party administrator would manage the fund and staff would follow up with individual residents to assist with the application process.

Council then approved Resolution 2025‑86 appointing Brandon M. Anglum as the qualified neutral third party to serve as paymaster and arbitrator for the Minnesota Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund, as recommended by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Motion by Councilor Lebla; second by Councilor Peterson. Roll call was recorded and the motion passed.

What happens next: Staff will accept relocation trust fund applications (Eric Johnson is the city contact identified in the record) and the appointed administrator will follow up with applicants about eligibility and potential assistance.