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Cohasset council adopts three‑year nonexclusive franchise for Allete, Inc.
Summary
The Cohasset City Council voted unanimously Feb. 23 to adopt Ordinance No. 51, granting Allete, Inc. (Minnesota Power) a three‑year nonexclusive franchise to construct, operate and maintain electric distribution and transmission facilities in the city. No public comments were recorded at the hearing.
The Cohasset City Council voted unanimously Feb. 23 to adopt Ordinance No. 51, granting Allete, Inc. (doing business as Minnesota Power) a three‑year, nonexclusive franchise to build, operate, maintain and repair its electric distribution and transmission system within city limits.
Mayor Josh Casper opened the public hearing on Ordinance No. 51. The ordinance was described in the record as reinstating Allete’s previously granted franchise authority after the prior agreement lapsed. The city attorney recommended a three‑year term to allow periodic review.
Councilor Kevin Tinquist moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilor Shannon Benolken seconded. Mayor Casper and Councilors Andy MacDonell, Kevin Tinquist, Andy Haarklau and Shannon Benolken voted in favor; there were no votes against and no absences. No public comment was recorded during the hearing.
The franchise is nonexclusive, the record states, and the council noted other energy providers also serve the area. The ordinance’s adoption restores Allete’s local permit to construct and maintain electric facilities for the stated three‑year period. The city did not record additional conditions or amendments in the hearing minutes.
The council’s formal adoption is the most recent procedural step; the franchise takes effect as specified in the ordinance text. If further review or modification is required, the council may revisit the matter before or at the end of the three‑year term.
