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Tower council approves grants, authorizes logging near wastewater ponds and funds geotechnical study
Summary
At its July 8 meeting, the Tower City Council approved several grant actions and motions, including acceptance of a $35,000 Blandin Foundation grant for an ADA boat launch, authorization to seek logging proposals near the Tower Breitung Wastewater Ponds, approval to pursue IRRR funds and a $7,805 geotechnical study contingent on grant funding, and authorization to pursue radio and airport grants with capped local matches.
The City of Tower Council on July 8 approved several funding- and procurement-related motions and directed staff to pursue grant opportunities and project work. Mayor David Setterberg presided over the meeting.
Councilors voted unanimously to accept a $35,000 Blandin Foundation grant and to move forward with purchase of an ADA-accessible EZ Dock boat launch for the city’s trailhead and kayak launch, with installation costs to be covered by remaining IRRR Regional Trails Grant funds or performed by city personnel. Councilor Joe Morin made the motion and Councilor Josh Zika seconded.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing application for and acceptance of funds from the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR). As part of that item, the council accepted a cost estimate of $7,805 from NTS Environmental Science & Engineering for a geotechnical investigation related to the Tower Main Street development, contingent on receiving IRRR funding; the council noted the city would cover roughly $600 of the cost if the grant is awarded.
On infrastructure and property matters, Councilor Josh Zika moved and the council unanimously authorized Mayor Setterberg and Clerk/Treasurer Michael Schultz to solicit multiple proposals to pursue logging near the Tower Breitung Wastewater Ponds. The motion specified seeking multiple proposals where possible before proceeding.
Public-safety and equipment funding was also addressed. Council authorized Clerk/Treasurer Michael Schultz to pursue the 2024–2026 ARMER Equipment Grant and, if fully or partially funded, to allocate a 5 percent match from the Ambulance Fund and Fire Department Fund not to exceed $10,000. Council additionally approved submission of a state grant request for $45,000 to support fuel-system upgrades at the airport; the airport application lists Airport Commission Chairperson John Burgess as the primary point of contact.
On airport property matters, the council authorized a lease transfer for hangar 8 from Brian and Lori Schanche to Daniel and Pamela Beihoffer.
The meeting also included administrative actions: on motions by councilors, the council authorized hiring an independent contractor as Assistant to the Clerk/Treasurer with an annual cap of $8,500, and set election-judge pay at $15 per hour for the 2024 primary and general elections.
Votes at a glance: motions reported in the minutes passed unanimously; four voting members were recorded as present and one councilor (Councilor Norby) was absent.
The council adjourned at 7:36 PM.
