Cook council approves infrastructure commitments, fee increases and HRA appointment

The Cook City Council on Feb. 25 approved a package of infrastructure and administrative actions, including grant match commitments and a phased increase in non-resident water and sewer base fees.

Mayor Daniel Manick opened the regular meeting at 6:03 p.m. The council accepted the meeting agenda and approved the consent agenda, which included bills paid since the last presentation of $126,327.74 and $159,808.51 presented for payment. Councilor Jess Scofield moved and Councilor Jody Bixby seconded both procedural motions; each motion was recorded as "MOTION CARRIED."

Councilors approved the draft Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) presented by Client Service Manager Luke Heikkila of Bolton & Menk. Heikkila said the CIP was developed with the city's CIP Committee and will be treated as a fluid document with annual review recommended. Councilor Bixby moved and Councilor Liza Root seconded the motion to adopt the plan; the motion carried.

On grant commitments, the council approved Resolution 260225B to commit $171,000 as the city's match for an IRRR Public Infrastructure Grant and Resolution 260225C to commit $26,412 as the city's share of an IRRR residential demolition grant for the Dickson property. CEDA consultant Shaun Hainey reported the Dickson property is eligible for an IRRR demolition grant of $6,980; the city's portion of the demolition work was presented as $26,412. Both resolutions passed following motions by Councilors Jess Scofield and Liza Root, respectively.

The council authorized Bolton & Menk to prepare a wastewater facility plan amendment and submit the City's Clean Water Project Priority List (PPL) application, at a cost not to exceed $7,500, to maintain eligibility for state grant and loan funding. Councilor Bixby moved and Councilor Root seconded the authorization; the motion carried.

The Finance Committee recommendation to raise the non-resident water and sewer base fee was approved. The fee will be $50 in 2026, $65 in 2027 and $75 in 2028; the increase will be reflected in the March 2026 billing cycle. Council materials noted there are five residential properties currently receiving water and/or sewer outside the city limits.

Other business approved included a $1,500 professional services agreement with Minnesota Public Safety Group to advise the fire department on organization and policy, and Pay Application #6 to Lenci Enterprises for $140,505 for library work. Council also appointed Karen Schultz as the HRA resident board member representing residents.

Votes at a glance - Approve meeting agenda: Motion by Jess Scofield, second by Jody Bixby — MOTION CARRIED. - Approve consent agenda (minutes, bills, reports): Motion by Jody Bixby, second by Jess Scofield — MOTION CARRIED. - Approve Infrastructure CIP as presented: Motion by Jody Bixby, second by Liza Root — MOTION CARRIED. - Authorize Wastewater Facility Plan Amendment and Clean Water PPL submission (fee not to exceed $7,500): Motion by Jody Bixby, second by Liza Root — MOTION CARRIED. - Commitment of funds to IRRR Public Infrastructure Grant ($171,000): Motion by Jess Scofield, second by Liza Root — MOTION CARRIED. - Commitment of funds to IRRR Residential Demo Grant ($26,412): Motion by Liza Root, second by Jody Bixby — MOTION CARRIED. - Increase non-resident water/sewer base fee to $50 (2026), $65 (2027), $75 (2028): Motion by Jody Bixby, second by Liza Root — MOTION CARRIED. - Approve MN Public Safety Group services to Fire Department ($1,500): Motion by Jess Scofield, second by Jody Bixby — MOTION CARRIED. - Approve Pay Application #6 to Lenci Enterprises ($140,505): Motion by Jody Bixby, second by Liza Root — MOTION CARRIED. - Appoint Karen Schultz as HRA resident board member: Motion by Liza Root, second by Jess Scofield — MOTION CARRIED. - Adjourn: Motion by Jess Scofield, second by Jody Bixby — MOTION CARRIED.

Why it matters: The council's actions authorize near-term work and local matches that enable grant applications and project eligibility for state funding while shifting some costs to non-resident utility customers; the CIP sets priorities for future capital spending. The council also scheduled a special meeting March 2 to review long-term finance materials from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors.

The council adjourned at 7:42 p.m.