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Tower council adopts ATV ordinance, appoints new fire chief and advances local projects
Summary
At its July 14 meeting, the City of Tower council adopted Ordinance 8A regulating ATVs, appointed Steven Freshour as fire chief, approved a pay application for the water treatment project, authorized electrical upgrades up to $70,000, and approved the Village at Vermilion preliminary plat; several items, including a cell tower proposal, were discussed but tabled for further research.
The City of Tower council on July 14 approved a slate of routine and project-related actions and discussed several proposals that will return for further review.
On the meeting’s most contentious recorded vote, the council adopted Ordinance 8A, updating rules for snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use inside the city. Councilor Joe Morin moved the measure and Councilor John Van DeVoort seconded the motion. Councilors Morin, Bob Anderson, Kevin Norby and John Van DeVoort recorded aye votes; Mayor David Setterberg voted no. The motion passed on second and final reading. The minutes list Van DeVoort as voting and also earlier list him as absent; the minutes do not reconcile that attendance discrepancy.
In personnel business, the council accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Paige Olson and appointed Steven Freshour as fire chief effective immediately. The council also voted to advertise for the Fire Chief position. Those personnel motions were moved and seconded and passed unanimously.
The council approved Pay Application #10 to Lakehead Constructors for the Water Treatment Facility Project. The minutes record approval but do not specify a dollar amount for this pay application.
On infrastructure, the council authorized the city to obtain two or more quotes for the Hoodoo Point Landing Ramp Replacement Project under Minnesota Statutes, Section 471.345, Subd. 4; quotes are to be brought back for council approval. Separately, the council authorized an initial phase of electrical upgrades, including transformers and associated work, with a budget limit of up to $70,000.
The council also approved Resolution 2025-008 authorizing the city to apply for and accept funds from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, with specific project details to be determined by the Projects Committee. Councilors voted unanimously to authorize submittal of a pre-application to the Minnesota Historical Society Legacy Grants program for the Tower Depot Foundation Construction Project.
Development matters included approval of the Village at Vermilion Preliminary Plat, authorizing the developer team to proceed with final plat efforts. Council members discussed a proposed Hoodoo Point public fishing pier cooperative agreement with the State of Minnesota, a depot security camera proposal and a cell tower submission identified in the minutes as coming from "American Tower/Tower Alliance." Those items were discussed without formal action; staff or designated council members were asked to research options and return with recommendations.
The council discussed updating the joint comprehensive plan with Breitung Township and referred options to the Planning and Zoning Committee to consider blight-abatement approaches at a future meeting.
Public comment included a statement from resident Gary Aubol supporting placing Stuntz Bay boathouses "in the hands of individuals." The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
What’s next: several items (Hoodoo Point pier, cell tower proposal, Planning & Zoning blight review) were left for follow-up; the Projects Committee will determine specifics for any Iron Range Resources grant application before staff proceeds.
