Biwabik council adopts EDA enabling resolution, approves multiple administrative measures

Biwabik City Council convened July 14 and approved a package of resolutions and administrative actions, including creating an Economic Development Authority and appointing an interim city administrator.

The council adopted Resolution 2025‑7, the enabling resolution to establish an Economic Development Authority (EDA), after holding a public hearing earlier in the meeting. Staff told the council an enabling resolution was in the packet and that the city could designate existing donations as EDA funds if the council chooses; council members agreed the EDA would use a separate fund if directed.

Council also approved Resolution 2025‑16, a registered‑name license agreement allowing the city to use “Giants Ridge” in its logo; staff said the agreement had been reviewed by the city attorney and the license fee is a nominal $1. The council approved the purchase of a stair chair for the ambulance service; staff reported the unit is in stock and funding will offset part of the cost. The council moved and adopted Resolution 2025‑18 and a letter of support for the Age‑Friendly Communities Network after confirming the form letter was in the packet.

On administrative matters the council approved removing Jeff Jacobson from the municipal credit card and adding Shannon Mackey, and approved contracting with Jim Wum (transcript spelling) as interim city administrator on a 1099 basis for up to 32 hours per week. The personnel committee’s terms were approved and the city attorney was directed to draft the contract; council set the start time as the next morning at 8 a.m.

What the votes mean: the meeting record indicates roll‑call votes were taken and each of the above motions “carried” (the transcript records “motion carries” or “resolution passes”). The transcript does not include roll‑call tallies for individual yes/no votes.

Next steps: the EDA enabling resolution now places an EDA on the council’s calendar for implementation details (funding, bylaws, and administrative arrangements). Staff will return with any required follow‑up on the interim administrator contract and with vendor quotes or procurement details for the stair chair and other facilities work.

Actions at a glance

- Resolution 2025‑7 (Establish EDA): adopted (see timeline). - Resolution 2025‑16 (Giants Ridge license): adopted. - Stair chair purchase (ambulance equipment): approved. - Resolution 2025‑18 (Age‑Friendly Communities letter): adopted. - Credit‑card administrative change (remove Jeff Jacobson, add Shannon Mackey): approved. - Interim city administrator contract (Jim Wum, transcript spelling): approved; contract to be drafted by city attorney.

The council also discussed infrastructure matters and directed staff follow‑up on FEMA reimbursement and other budgetary items mentioned in the staff reports. The meeting adjourned at 19:07.